2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while striving to present a more assertive and SUV-like appearance. This latest generation, launched in 2021, featured a macho front end and re-engineered sliding door mechanisms to conceal the slider channels. This made the Sienna look more streamlined and stylish. Seventeen-inch wheels were standard on the base model, with upgrades to 18-inch and even 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Its interior design was notably uncluttered, creating a more spacious feel, and offered various clever storage solutions to cater to families. Comfortable seating was provided in the second and third rows, with options for second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans or a bench seat. The third row was a 60/40-split bench and easily retracted into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner exuded a rugged, old-school vibe, particularly with the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), based on the SR5 Premium trim. Its design included retro body stripes, bronze wheels, and various bronze accents both inside and outside. Available only in black, white, or red, the 40 ASE gave off a nostalgic 70s vibe with a distinctly Southern California feel. The 4Runner's interior had a purposeful yet rugged appearance, with plenty of durable plastic covering various surfaces that retained a solid and quality feel. The controls were large and straightforward, suitable for use even with gloves on, fitting its adventure-oriented design.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, continuing from the 2021 model. The combo of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors generated 243 horsepower. Drivers appreciated the inclusion of both FWD and an option for AWD across all trim levels. The AWD system added another electric motor geared towards the rear wheels, contributing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna employed a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which promised smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. Toyota's Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform provided commendable handling for a minivan, minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable highway ride. Importantly, the Sienna Hybrid boasted an impressive EPA-rated fuel economy of 36 mpg for both city and highway driving with FWD, and 35 mpg with AWD.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner housed a robust 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque via a five-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available, a part-time system common in most trims and a full-time system offered in the Limited trim. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, rated at 17 mpg in combined driving. In real-world testing, the 4Runner averaged 16.9 mpg. Featuring nine inches of ground clearance and several off-road technologies—including Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control—the 4Runner proved itself as a competent off-roading vehicle. Additional features like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select added to its off-roading appeal. Nonetheless, the 4Runner's on-road manners were less refined, showing slow acceleration, heavy steering, and less predictable braking.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed with practicality in mind, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered versatile cargo capacity: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Sienna excelled as a functional family hauler, featuring easy-to-store third-row seats and numerous storage cubbies and cupholders throughout the cabin. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added a layer of convenience, especially when loading with arms full.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, meanwhile, featured a unique power-down rear window in the tailgate, enhancing its ventilation options. However, getting in and out could be a hassle for shorter individuals. Once inside, passengers enjoyed comfortable seating, though many storage locations lacked liners to prevent items from sliding. The second row was spacious, while the third row, optional, proved cramped and significantly reduced cargo space when in use. Skipping the third-row option resulted in a commendable 46.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats. The 4Runner also featured practical elements like bumper seating and a sliding cargo floor, useful for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna packed a plethora of technology features. Standard across all trims was a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM, USB ports, and optional Wi-Fi connectivity ensured that passengers stayed entertained and connected. Higher trims experienced upgrades like a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Notable were telematics services like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and a digital rearview mirror in Limited and Platinum trims.

By comparison, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered less cutting-edge technology. Its highest available infotainment display was an 8-inch touchscreen. However, this retro setup featured user-friendly controls and robust performance, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, among other services. Voice recognition performed admirably, though its infotainment system graphics felt dated. Upgraded options included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, both known for delivering robust but bass-heavy sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out with top safety ratings, obtaining a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Its extensive suite of standard driver aids under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 banner included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, and automatic emergency braking among others. Additionally, it featured ten airbags and multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, essential for family safety. The Sienna also incorporated rear-seat reminders and convenient tire pressure monitoring systems.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, however, displayed its age in safety ratings. It received an overall four-star rating from NHTSA, scoring no better than three stars in front passenger protection and rollover resistance tests. However, it came equipped with vital Toyota Safety Sense features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims for 2023. While its adaptive cruise control performed smoothly in tests, the lane-departure warning could be distracting.