2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of models, from the base version priced at $33,745 to the top-tier King Ranch at $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Visually, the King Ranch was distinguished by its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, but it didn't stand out significantly from other Explorer models. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, included a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, giving it a sporty, athletic look. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding, though the cabin's mix of quality materials and some cheaper elements was noticeable.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. The Sienna's design included a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a buried slider channel for a cleaner look. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows provided comfortable, roomy seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row bench could be easily stored away, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with three powertrain options. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine offered a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Limited trim also had an optional hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, delivering 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg combined. The top-tier ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg combined. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with the King Ranch trim offering a satisfying driving experience, though the hybrid powertrain was recommended for its balance of power and efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna exclusively featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims, adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering smooth and efficient power delivery with selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport). The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The big news for the Sienna was its fuel economy, with the EPA rating FWD models at 36 mpg combined and AWD models at 35 mpg combined. The Sienna's hybrid system included a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch trim included features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for practical storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, providing convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim also featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system showed its age, with voice recognition issues and a lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, with an available rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi wireless phone charging and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. An available rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The Sienna also had a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch head-up display on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model. The 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which was four stars. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 system worked well, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity and could brake too much in moderate traffic.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, like the 2021 model. The NHTSA gave the 2022 Sienna a five-star rating. The Sienna included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sienna had 10 airbags and multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire mounted in the cargo space wall.