2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. With its origins dating back to the 1980s, the Sienna evolved through several generations, culminating in a design that embraced SUV-like aesthetics while retaining its minivan identity. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to families. The interior design avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a comfortable and uncluttered environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that highlighted Lincoln's modern aesthetic. The Aviator's exterior was marked by its elegant lines and the distinctive Lincoln face, although some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The interior of the Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was lavish, featuring a mix of high-end materials and intricate design elements. However, the cabin's opulence was sometimes overwhelming, with a blend of patterned metal, chrome accents, and rich leather that might not appeal to everyone. Despite its luxurious appointments, the Aviator's third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults.

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, shared with other Toyota hybrids, offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and contributed to its impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered a robust 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered a 21-mile electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving experience was characterized by its powerful acceleration, although the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with adaptive-damping suspension, ensured a smooth and stable ride, but the SUV's steering was heavy and numb, detracting from driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, with the ability to transport a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added versatility for cargo loading, offering 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for families on the go.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, featuring a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seating was cramped, with limited legroom and support, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was also limited, with just 18.3 cubic feet available when the third row was in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, the Sienna included a range of telematics services and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Higher trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration, but it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, and the Phone As A Key system allowed for convenient smartphone-based access. The Aviator also included a comprehensive head-up display and a surround-view camera system, although its voice recognition system was less reliable.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, with 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 a suite of driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. While the Aviator's safety tech performed well, the controls were unnecessarily complex. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, although the Grand Touring model had not been specifically rated.