2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique position in the automotive market. Minivans held a logical appeal for growing families, yet the rise of SUVs led many automakers to abandon this category. However, Toyota remained steadfast in producing minivans. Starting with the original Van from 1984 and following with the innovative mid-engined Previa in 1990, the Sienna debuted on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Camry in 1998. The Sienna evolved through successive generations in 2004, 2011, and a fourth generation in 2021.

The latest iteration of the Sienna attempted to exude an SUV-like aesthetic. Despite its minivan identity, evident from the sliding side doors, it featured a robust front end with re-engineered door hinges and slides that concealed the slider channel. This design created a cleaner side profile with integrated styling details around the rear fender. Even the wheels scaled up from 17-inch on base models to 20-inch on higher trims.

Inside, the Sienna focused on avoiding a typical minivan feel, especially in the front cabin. It provided ample storage solutions with a streamlined design, under-console storage, sizable door pockets, and multiple cup holders. Passengers in the second and third rows enjoyed roomy seating options, including available captain’s chairs with ottomans in the second row and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could easily store away, and the second-row seats offered extensive sliding range for easy access to the back.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, despite its recent design prowess, maintained a more conservative exterior style relative to other Hyundai models. Nevertheless, it presented an attractive SUV profile with five available trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an option for all-wheel drive on all trims.

Our test vehicle, the top-tier Calligraphy AWD, donned rich Stormy Sea paint paired with a black-on-black interior. The Santa Fe's wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights provided distinctive elements. However, the overall appearance leaned towards a more traditional SUV look with straightforward front and rear styling.

Inside, the black leather seats in the Calligraphy trim provided a high-quality aesthetic, though the uniformity of the black interior might not appeal to everyone. Options for beige or gray interiors existed to offer varying levels of contrast. The Nappa leather seats were both comfortable and visually appealing, with heated and cooled features for front seats and heated rear seats in the Calligraphy trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid-only powertrain introduced in the 2021 model year. This hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver a total of 243 horsepower. It came standard with front-wheel drive, though an all-wheel-drive option was available across all trims. The AWD system added a rear electric motor with 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna’s electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to smooth power delivery and helped optimize fuel efficiency. Notably, the Sienna boasted impressive fuel economy ratings—36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models, according to EPA estimates.

The Sienna’s handling benefited from Toyota's Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, which featured front and rear independent suspensions. This configuration minimized body roll and offered a comfortable highway ride. Additionally, the Sienna’s 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack came with a decade-long warranty.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine choices, both based on a 2.5-liter platform but with different outputs. The naturally aspirated engine in the SE, SEL, and XRT trims delivered 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In the Limited and Calligraphy trims, a turbocharged variant pumped up the power to 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, utilizing an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch transmission. This turbocharged option significantly elevated performance, providing brisk acceleration and improved passing power without discernible turbo lag.

The Santa Fe’s drive-mode selector allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes to tailor the driving experience. While the turbo engine stood out for its smooth and spirited performance, even the naturally aspirated versions offered reasonable power. Handling across all trims was smooth, with stable cornering and minimal body lean.

Despite the different powertrains, the Santa Fe’s towing capabilities remained noteworthy—2,000 pounds for non-turbo models and 3,500 pounds for turbo versions, assuming the use of trailer brakes.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna served as an ideal family workhorse with flexible cargo options. It could convey a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The second-row seats enhanced luggage and freight loading, granting access either through the tailgate or side doors. In terms of cargo space, the Sienna measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a spacious 101 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Convenience was furthered by power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate, facilitating easy access even with hands full.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe took a different approach by eschewing a cramped third row in favor of enhanced rear-seat legroom and cargo space. This decision bestowed the Santa Fe with 41.7 inches of rear-seat legroom, making it one of the leaders in its class. Cargo capacity was similarly impressive, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. An underfloor storage compartment provided additional utility. The Santa Fe’s approach to maximizing space without the complexity of a third-row seat appealed to those prioritizing passenger comfort and functional cargo space.

Both vehicles showcased strong attributes in form and function. The Sienna excelled in cargo capacity, making it a versatile option for larger families or those needing substantial load space. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe stood out with its ample rear-seat room and thoughtful cargo configurations, catering well to families valuing comfort and convenient storage.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was rich in standard and available technology features. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen across all trim levels, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The Sienna included several telematics services such as Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, offering varying trial periods. Six USB ports were distributed throughout the cabin for charging. Upper trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, HDMI input, and wireless headphones. A head-up display and digital rearview mirror were also available on higher trims, enhancing driving convenience and safety.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, known for its robust in-vehicle technology, offered a range of infotainment and driver assistance systems. Standard models featured a 4.2-inch LCD display, which upgraded to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. Base trims had an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other connected services. The Harman Kardon premium audio system came standard in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, delivering high-quality sound.

The Santa Fe's infotainment system stood out for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. Voice recognition, though occasionally finicky, could handle a variety of commands, from navigation to weather updates. However, it struggled with certain tasks like adjusting cabin temperature or playing specific music.

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 equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Additional standard features included ten airbags, LATCH child-seat connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. These comprehensive safety measures provided peace of mind for families.

Similarly, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe was lauded for its safety features. It incorporated a plethora of ADAS such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist, standard on SEL and above, combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities for easier driving. The safe-exit system and rear-seat reminder added further layers of safety, particularly useful in daily family use.

The Santa Fe also achieved top safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Those higher trims with projector-type headlights received favorable ratings for their enhanced visibility.