2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Venza boasted excellent proportions and modern exterior design, which could have easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most eye-catching design feature was a deeply scalloped body side that bulged to form the rear fender, emphasizing power. The tailgate drew attention with a horizontal stripe of LED lighting, and the Venza’s prominent nose with an un-SUV overhang indicated that it was built more for urban driving than off-roading. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, the Venza occupied the shorter end of the midsize crossover SUV segment.

Inside, the Venza delivered a Lexus-like experience with an elegant interior layout and premium materials. The layered dash took full advantage of a steep windshield’s depth, and the positioning of the touchscreen—either an 8-inch standard or available 12.3-inch—was ideal. The supportive front seats and ample rear seat space made for a comfortable ride whether driving solo or with a full car of passengers. High-quality materials and a meticulously crafted interior added a touch of luxury seldom found in this segment.

Comparatively, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its stereotypical minivan style and instead presented a streamlined, modern aesthetic. The front end resembled a Japanese bullet train, and higher trims like the XSE and Platinum featured 20-inch wheels to add a sportier look. The Sienna's design was utility-focused but not devoid of style. Despite its minivan roots, it looked contemporary and purpose-built for family use.

Inside, the Sienna’s ingenuity shined. Thoughtful storage solutions like an open cubby below the center console and a long shelf extending across the dash provided ample space for personal items. The cabin flaunted high-quality materials such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in higher trims. Seating configurations offered either seven or eight passenger spaces, satisfying various family needs. The second-row captain's chairs with sliding capabilities and ottomans enhanced comfort, making long trips more enjoyable. The intelligent use of interior space made the Sienna less about flash and more about function without sacrificing aesthetics.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 219 horsepower. This setup balanced gas and electric power for optimal efficiency and performance. Electric-only (EV) mode was available for short distances, with Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes to tailor performance. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, supplemented by a motor-generator driven by the gas engine.

Driving the Venza was a pleasant experience—it felt sprightly and maneuverable, thanks in part to sharing its wheelbase with the Camry. While the taller body and higher ground clearance didn't encourage aggressive cornering, the Venza provided a smooth, controlled ride suitable for family travel.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid-only powertrain. It paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, producing a total of 245 horsepower. Though this figure fell short of some competitors, it ensured respectable fuel efficiency. However, the Sienna’s performance was somewhat hampered by its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which made acceleration seem less energetic.

Despite the underwhelming powertrain, the Sienna’s chassis and steering excelled. The platform felt solid and nimble, with light steering making city driving surprisingly enjoyable. Various drive modes like EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport existed, though Normal mode generally offered the best balance. While the powertrain lacked excitement, the Sienna managed an impressive blend of practicality and drivability.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered comfortable seating for five with two bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench. Headroom and legroom were sufficient for adults, and the second row provided 45.2 inches of hip room. Despite its lower roofline compared to some SUVs, the Venza felt spacious, particularly with the optional Star Gaze panoramic glass roof on higher trims.

Convenience features were ample, with an overhead console housing LED map lights and a Safety Connect button. The Venza also included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat in XLE and Limited trims. There were four cupholders and four bottle holders scattered throughout the cabin. The cargo capacity stood at 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and expanded to 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. A lithium-ion battery under the second-row seats minimally impacted storage space.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality with its minivan platform. Measuring over 200 inches in length with a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna provided ample interior space. With all seats in place, it offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo room, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and a total of 101 cubic feet. These numbers, however, fell short of some competitors due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The Sienna’s interior brimmed with clever storage solutions, including a large open cubby under the center console and multiple cupholders. Passengers enjoyed generous space in both the second and third rows, with extendable ottomans in higher trims enhancing comfort for taller individuals. While the second row couldn’t be removed or stowed, the overall space was well-utilized, making the Sienna a comfortable and versatile choice for families.

Technology in the Venza was reliable and user-friendly. Hybrid powertrains were second nature to Toyota, making the Venza’s setup seamless. The car featured the Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program, using navigation data to optimize battery charging. The infotainment varied by trim, with LE and XLE sporting an 8-inch touchscreen and the Limited upgrading to a 12.3-inch screen. Features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. Various USB ports catered to charging needs, and higher trims added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim brought extra features like a head-up display and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2023 Sienna, while functional, lagged behind in terms of cutting-edge technology. It made do with an older Toyota infotainment interface. Core features were present—standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and several USB ports. However, the older system required wired connections for smartphone integration and lacked dedicated shortcuts for apps, leading to a clunkier user experience. Despite these drawbacks, the 9-inch touchscreen didn’t feel undersized. The available 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality, rounding out the package.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles. The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which offered forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist were standard, with higher trims adding front and rear parking assist. The Venza earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

Similarly, the 2023 Toyota Sienna offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard ADAS included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The emphasis on safety was crucial for a family vehicle. The Sienna earned a five-star rating from NHTSA, and while the 2023 model was yet to be rated by IIHS, the 2022 model's Top Safety Pick+ rating ensured peace of mind.