2023 Nissan Ariya vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the Sienna's debut in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style without hiding its minivan roots. Its assertive profile, macho front end, and cleverly engineered sliding doors gave it a modern, robust appearance. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that could easily be stowed away.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Ariya showcased a modern and striking design, emphasizing smooth, flowing lines over sharp angles. The crossover's oval shape and sleek front and rear ends created a distinctive look. The front featured thin LED headlights and a black space mimicking Nissan's "V-Motion" design language, while the rear had a thin taillight spanning the width. Inside, the Ariya boasted beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastic, dual 12-inch monitors, and illuminated haptic buttons. The open and airy interior, thanks to the lack of a transmission tunnel, added to the vehicle's modern appeal.

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 trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to better-than-expected handling, and the Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of trim levels and powertrain options. The base Engage FWD model featured a 63-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and a 160-kilowatt (kW) motor producing 214 horsepower. The Engage AWD trim added an additional motor for AWD, while the Engage+ AWD and higher trims received an 87-kWh extended-range battery. The Venture+ FWD trim had a more powerful 178-kW motor making 238 horsepower. The top-tier Platinum+ AWD trim boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's AWD system provided excellent grip and handling, and the vehicle offered three drive modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. The FWD Ariya achieved an estimated range of 304 miles, while the AWD version offered around 260 miles.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying 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 power-operated sliding doors and rear tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, provided added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, offering a spacious and airy interior. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, although headroom in the back was slightly compromised by the large sunroof. The lack of a transmission tunnel contributed to the open feel. The Ariya's cargo space measured 59 cubic feet, comparable to other electric crossovers but less than traditional SUVs. Nissan included innovative features like a powered bin under the center stack and a power-adjustable center console, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth, Qi wireless phone charging, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A color multi-information display and a 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims, along with a digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A head-up display was included on all but the base trim. The Ariya integrated Alexa compatibility, allowing users to control smart home devices and start the car using voice commands. The infotainment system was modern and user-friendly, enhancing the vehicle's tech-forward appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite 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 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya introduced ProPilot Assist 2.0 on higher trims, offering hands-free driving capabilities and lane-change assist. All Ariya models came with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.