2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over several generations since its debut in 1998. The latest iteration aimed to blend the practicality of a minivan with the styling cues of an SUV, featuring a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating across three rows, and a flexible cargo area. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a strong contender for families seeking a reliable and spacious vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more refined and modern appearance. The new design featured a lowered beltline and simplified detailing, resulting in a sleeker look. The HR-V's interior was thoughtfully designed, with new seats and a range of features that enhanced comfort and convenience. The EX-L trim, in particular, offered a premium feel with perforated leather seats and advanced climate control. Despite its compact size, the HR-V managed to provide a comfortable cabin experience, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a stylish and practical subcompact SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup was available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth power delivery and contributed to its impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, making it a comfortable and efficient choice for long drives.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated CVT with Step-Shift function aimed to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport, to suit different driving conditions. While the HR-V was fun to drive on winding roads, it lacked the power of some competitors. The new suspension system and widened tracks improved handling, but the HR-V remained a modest performer in its segment.

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 boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it a practical choice for families with diverse needs. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added convenience, especially when hands were full.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, while smaller, offered a well-thought-out interior with a focus on comfort and usability. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but the HR-V still provided ample space for passengers and cargo. With 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded, the HR-V's cargo capacity was competitive for its class. The new hinge design for the rear seats improved seating ergonomics and allowed for a nearly flat cargo floor. The HR-V's interior dimensions varied slightly across trims, but it remained a practical choice for those seeking a compact SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While wireless connectivity for these features was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and a robust audio system that improved with higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, enhancing the Sienna's appeal as a family vehicle. The inclusion of a head-up display and digital rearview mirror on higher trims added to the Sienna's technological sophistication.

The 2023 Honda HR-V introduced a tablet-style touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard across all trims. The EX-L trim offered wireless versions of these features, along with a larger 9-inch display and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V's infotainment system included Smart Shortcuts, which adapted to user preferences, and a range of audio options depending on the trim. The HR-V's technology package was comprehensive, making it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was highly rated for safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ 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, and automatic emergency braking, among other features. The Sienna also offered 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats, ensuring a high level of safety for families.

The 2023 Honda HR-V made significant strides in safety, with the Honda Sensing suite now standard across all trims. This included adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. While the 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, the previous model received favorable ratings, and updates to airbags and other safety features suggested improvements for the new model.