2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna firmly positioned itself as a durable and stylish family vehicle within the niche minivan market. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, Toyota maintained its commitment to the minivan category. From its inception with the Toyota Van in the mid-80s to the introduction of the Sienna in 1998, the brand continuously improved and innovated. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, retained the hallmark sliding doors while adopting a more assertive, SUV-like aesthetic. The front end featured a robust design, while Toyota ingeniously re-engineered the door hinges and slides to blend the slider channel seamlessly into the body. With 17-inch wheels standard and the option for 18- and 20-inch wheels on higher trims, the Sienna presented a modern and sturdy look. Inside, it provided an uncluttered design and ample storage solutions, including an under-console open storage area, large door pockets, and numerous cup holders. The second and third rows offered roomy, comfortable seating, with options for captain’s chairs and an easily stowable third-row bench.

Conversely, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design philosophy. While lacking the flashier elements some luxury SUV buyers might prefer, the Range Rover Sport exuded understated elegance. The test vehicle arrived in Eiger Gray with 23-inch silver wheels and a subtle Black Exterior Pack, presenting a sophisticated appearance. Inside, it boasted a luxurious Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim. Standard features across various trims included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights. The aerodynamic design was highlighted by a coefficient of drag measuring 0.29. The interior was adorned with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, creating an indulgent atmosphere.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, generating a combined 243 horsepower. Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) ensured versatile performance. The AWD system, featuring a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, offered 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and provided four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Its handling benefited from the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, providing minimal body roll and a smooth ride. The standout feature was its impressive fuel efficiency, with the FWD model achieving 36 mpg in the city, on the highway, and combined, while the AWD variant managed 35 mpg across all metrics. Toyota strategically placed the 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360 and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. The Autobiography P440e featured a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, generating 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. Additionally, early-build 2023 models included a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, though this was temporarily unavailable. The test vehicle’s inline-six engine facilitated a 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds and could tow up to 7,716 pounds. The EPA rated the P400 drivetrain at 21 mpg combined, with observed fuel economy slightly higher at 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route and 25.1 mpg on a specific drive. The vehicle’s architecture provided a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, with an adaptive damping air suspension that adjusted up to 500 times per second. Off-road capabilities included an impressive ground clearance of 11.1 inches and advanced features like Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a practical family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second-row seats enhanced its versatility, allowing easy access to cargo either from the rear or side doors. With the second row in place, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet behind the front seats. It also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The power-operated sliding side doors and rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the signature Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel for the driver. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit. The test vehicle featured luxurious Windsor leather, 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and an available massage function. Rear-seat comfort was somewhat compromised despite improved legroom and knee clearance, with tight spaces and hard seatback panels. The back seat provided excellent support but had a fixed, reclined angle. The cargo area measured 31.9 cubic feet, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional storage solutions included a deep bin under the center armrest and a handy contraption to prevent items from rolling in the cargo hold.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a comprehensive array of standard and optional technology features. Every model came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM with a three-month trial. The higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a color head-up display in the Platinum trim. Telematics services like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect were available with varying trial periods. Other notable features included Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, Qi wireless phone charging, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet for charging devices.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured advanced technology with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform proved frustrating, often complicating simple tasks like finding a Starbucks or turning off certain features. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems, a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. Additionally, the Sienna had 10 airbags, several LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Other features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist had room for improvement, particularly in response time and performance on freeway curves.