2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity. Its design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that folded into the floor for added versatility.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, emphasized ruggedness and practicality. The Forester's design, while not traditionally attractive, was functional, with features like a suspension lift and protective cladding enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a straightforward cabin layout that combined hard and soft materials. The interior was equipped with an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, and the Wilderness trim added unique touches like copper-colored accents and water-repellant upholstery, making it suitable for adventurous lifestyles.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup offered both front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel-drive system, which added an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and contributed to its impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a CVT and standard all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering enhanced torque supply and increased towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, and its driving dynamics were generally pleasing, though it lacked the acceleration of turbocharged competitors. The Wilderness trim's long-travel suspension and off-road capabilities made it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure, despite some wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, 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 offered a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate added convenience, making it easy to access the interior even with hands full.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to its tall seating position. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, including a standard 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims added a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also included various telematics services and a head-up display on Platinum models, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The Wilderness trim added a 180-degree forward-view camera, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Forester's technology suite included Starlink connected services, remote engine starting, and a unique PIN Code Access feature for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety profile.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology on Touring trims. It earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.