2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, with its history dating back to 1998, evolved over the years, culminating in the fourth-generation model launched in 2021. This version attempted to blend SUV styling with traditional minivan functionality. Its design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with numerous storage solutions and seating configurations, making it a versatile choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned in 2022, carried forward its modern aesthetic into the new model year. The Pathfinder combined traditional SUV elements with forward-thinking design, resulting in a vehicle that remained relevant and stylish. Its interior was characterized by clean lines and a user-friendly layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, from the rugged Rock Creek with off-road capabilities to the luxurious Platinum trim. The cabin was designed for comfort and convenience, with ample space and thoughtful features for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter featuring an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. The EPA rated the Sienna Hybrid at 36 mpg in the city and on the highway for FWD models, and 35 mpg for AWD models. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was transmitted through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options available. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim, featuring a taller suspension and off-road shocks. While the ride was rougher on paved roads due to the off-road tires, the Pathfinder excelled on trails. It also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds in the Rock Creek trim, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

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 seats added flexibility for cargo loading, with 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, provided added convenience for busy families. It also offered a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it a practical choice for various needs.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it offered 45 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. While it fell slightly short of some rivals in cargo space, it compensated with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows. The optional second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and numerous storage compartments, ensuring convenience for passengers. The Rock Creek trim's roof rack was both functional and stylish, capable of holding up to 220 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services and a Wi-Fi trial. Higher trims featured a premium JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with a widescreen display. The Sienna also included a head-up display in Platinum models, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with a larger 9-inch screen available on higher trims. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder offered Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition, with additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging on higher trims. While not the most cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were practical and functional.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also included 10 airbags and multiple child-seat connectors, ensuring family safety.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like ProPilot Assist, a 360-degree parking monitor, and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's safety features were designed to enhance driver confidence and convenience.