2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. Positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, this edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, and the interior boasted a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The Ascent Onyx Edition's styling gave the SUV a sporty appearance, but the interior's metallic trim and dashboard design set an appropriate mood.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend SUV style with minivan functionality. The Sienna featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges and slides to conceal the slider channel below the rear side window frame. The interior avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage options. The second and third rows offered comfortable, roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row bench could easily store away into the floor, and the second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-roading capability.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT and offered four selectable drive modes. The Sienna's handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to its front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models getting 35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight. Cargo measurements were 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 maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had storage cubby space and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with available Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a 9-inch touchscreen standard in all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. The Sienna lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It came with a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Platinum trim included a 10-inch color head-up display and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist and an available blind-spot monitoring system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available as an option.