2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck underpinnings, sharing a close relationship with the Toyota Tacoma. Toyota's decision to keep the 4Runner's traditional design wasn't out of stubbornness but rather a strategic choice, given that the Highlander already catered to family-hauling needs. This allowed the 4Runner to remain a niche vehicle for off-road enthusiasts.

The 4Runner's adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle approach. Inside, the vehicle's function-first design was apparent, though it showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 2022 model offered various trims, including the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident, as the Sienna continued to evolve since its debut in 1998. The latest generation, launched in 2021, featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers.

The Sienna's interior was spacious and versatile, with a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away into the floor. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, making access to the third row effortless. The minivan also boasted power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers, adding convenience for families on the go.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was chosen for its reliability and decent off-the-line performance. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with low range.

The 4Runner's ride quality was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a jostling experience over bumps. Despite these drawbacks, some drivers appreciated the nostalgic feel of a vehicle that required more attention to keep straight on the road. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and other obstacles. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. When properly equipped, the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, featured a hybrid powertrain. This system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup.

The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery. Drivers could choose from four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride on the highway. The hybrid powertrain delivered excellent fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models getting 35 mpg city/highway/combined. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and Toyota offered a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for the battery.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row version had a maximum cargo space of 88.8 cubic feet, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, increasing seating capacity from five to seven.

The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs. There were plenty of storage spaces, but the overall interior packaging could have been better.

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 luggage and freight. With the second row in its default position, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space 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 ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, adding convenience for families with their hands full.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While there was no option for a larger screen, buyers could add navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, which was helpful for drivers wearing gloves. However, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen was standard across all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports throughout the cabin. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available, the Sienna offered 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 with up to 2 gigabytes of data.

Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch 1080p display, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. The Sienna also offered a color multi-information display, with a 4.2-inch screen on lower trims and a 7-inch screen on Limited and Platinum models. The Platinum trim included a 10-inch color head-up display, and higher trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror. Remote keyless entry was standard, with push-button start and the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system were available. The TRD Pro also included an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the wall of the cargo space for safety and convenience.