2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the blacked-out trend with the new Onyx Edition trim level. This iteration sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, which included Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims. Prices ranged from $32,295 to $45,445, with a $1,125 destination fee varying slightly by location. The Onyx Edition featured distinctive blacked-out exterior trim, badges, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille, and special interior trim with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather. While the blacked-out treatment provided a sporty flair, the interior's gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching added a fresh ambiance compared to the commonly available all-black interiors. However, the StarTex material had a drawback—it trapped sweat, making long journeys uncomfortable on hot days.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to eliminate the minivan's 'soccer mom' stigma. Its design nodded to a Japanese bullet train, with sporty 20-inch wheels available on some trims. The Sienna offered a broad range of trims: base LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum, and a 25th Anniversary Special Edition. For many value-conscious shoppers, the XLE was a popular choice due to its standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and power liftgate. Inside, the Sienna was a delight, especially in the Platinum trim. The high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents lent a luxurious feel. Unlike the Ascent, the Sienna offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with the ability to accommodate three car seats across the middle row in eight-seater configurations.

Every 2022 Subaru Ascent came equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) were standard, and models with 20-inch wheels boasted an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. Real-world testing averaged at 20.5 mpg. The Ascent's boxer engine design helped lower the vehicle's center of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT, which featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, was efficient and quiet. With an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity and Subaru’s X-Mode off-road system, the Ascent offered commendable off-roading capabilities. Its urban and country road agility was notable, although its braking system occasionally felt overly responsive. On highways, lane-keeping and centering assistance could be somewhat erratic, but turning these features off improved the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna opted for a hybrid setup, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and an optional third motor for AWD models. This setup generated a total of 245 horsepower. While this was lower than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering offered remarkable nimbleness and agility for a minivan of its size. The CVT, however, often clawed its way up the rev band, lacking the refinement in acceleration when compared to competitors. Despite the underwhelming powertrain, the Sienna excelled in city driving with a light steering feel and a tight turning radius. Various drive modes were available, but Normal mode provided the best overall driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people if equipped with a second-row bench seat, although third-row seating was more suited for children rather than adults. The driver's seat offered a commanding view, and features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and all-weather capabilities made the Ascent Onyx Edition ready for winter. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second-row seats, providing an airy feel. Cargo capacity was practical, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a masterclass in interior storage solutions, featuring numerous cubbies, nooks, and bins. It boasted 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and maxing out at 101 cubic feet. While the Sienna's cargo space wasn't as high as some competitors, like the Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica, it compensated with efficient use of passenger space. The second-row captain’s chairs were highly functional, with features like extending ottomans and long-track sliding capabilities, making the rear seats comfortable for both adults and children.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent started with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trims upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. While user-friendly, the voice recognition technology required significant improvement. The Onyx Edition’s standard stereo sufficed, but a premium Harman Kardon system would have been a better fit for its target audience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used Toyota’s older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. While functional with physical buttons, the system felt dated and clunky. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required wired connections and lacked intuitive navigation. Despite these quirks, the JBL audio system in the evaluated model delivered good sound quality.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was highly regarded for safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology was standard, offering advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, it struggled with direct sunlight and could feel unstable with inconsistencies between driver inputs and system responses. Additional safety features included LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist and optional reverse automatic braking.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from NHTSA, and the 2022 model, mechanically identical, earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. While lacking some innovative features found in competitors like CabinTalk from Honda or FamCam from Chrysler, the Sienna’s safety equipment was robust and reassuring.