2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was both sporty and reminiscent of the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. The Velar's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, featuring a sloping roof, flush door handles, and distinctive taillight lenses. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and a sleek design, highlighted by a polished black center stack and three sharp screens. Despite its luxurious appearance, the Velar was not without its quirks, such as the unconventional parking brake control and a bulky shifter that occasionally obstructed other controls.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a design that echoed a Japanese bullet train. It offered a range of trims, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition, and prioritized practicality with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate. The interior was spacious and functional, with ample storage solutions and high-quality materials, particularly in the Platinum trim. The Sienna's design focused on maximizing passenger comfort and cargo space, making it a smart choice for families. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to maneuver, offering a nimble driving experience that belied its minivan roots.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a vehicle that handled and steered with precision. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to a smoother ride, especially with the optional air suspension. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While the base engine offered average performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided a more exhilarating driving experience. The Velar's Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control added versatility, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain across all models, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total of 245 horsepower. While the powertrain was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering impressed with their nimbleness and ease of handling. The Sienna offered several drive modes, though the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency. Despite its size, the Sienna was enjoyable to drive, with a light steering feel that made city driving a breeze.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, sometimes prioritized style over practicality. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. With a length of over 200 inches and a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna offered ample cargo space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, and the Sienna's design made excellent use of its minivan platform to provide genuine legroom for all passengers. While the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, the Sienna's overall space and comfort made it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The system also included a 360-degree camera and off-road mode, enhancing the Velar's versatility. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, relied on an older infotainment interface, which, while functional, felt outdated. It included core features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but required a wired connection for smartphone integration. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 9-inch touchscreen was adequately sized. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though the interface could benefit from modernization.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in European NCAP tests, scoring five stars. It came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety, with a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While competitors offered some additional features, the Sienna's safety technology was robust and well-suited for family use.