2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market. Despite the decline of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, which debuted in 1998, evolved through several generations, with the latest version launched in 2021. This model aimed to blend SUV styling with minivan functionality. It featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch wheels standard on base models, and up to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with clever storage solutions, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily folded into the floor.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced in 2021, shared the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had a modern exterior design with a distinctive scalloped body side and LED lighting. Its interior was Lexus-like, featuring high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats provided ample space for three adults. The Venza's design emphasized comfort and style, making it a strong contender in the midsize crossover SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, adding 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna featured an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Its handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to the TNGA platform's suspension and steering. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive performance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family workhorse. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, 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 had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The interior featured numerous storage cubbies, cupholders, and power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with comfortable bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, making it suitable for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. The Venza's interior included convenience features like an overhead console with LED map lights, power-adjustable front seats, an electric parking brake, and ample storage. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, allowing for 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Toyota also focused on sound insulation, making the Venza's cabin a quiet and serene environment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Venza also offered Toyota Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A digital rearview mirror was also available, providing a clear view even with passengers or cargo blocking the rear window.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It 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 the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit.

The 2022 Toyota Venza also received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza had eight airbags, LATCH anchors, child protector locks, and window lockout controls. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. XLE and Limited models added front and rear parking assist with automated braking and fog lamps.