2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a testament to the brand's commitment to luxury and style. Its design drew inspiration from the G70 compact luxury sedan, with split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window. This design element cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a showcase of luxury, featuring top-notch materials and a blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics. The climate controls were seamlessly integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70's interior was a harmonious blend of luxury and functionality, with physical rollers for volume control, a feature that outshone the touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic. Toyota's efforts to shed the traditional minivan style were evident in the Sienna's design, which featured a front-end reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a range of trim levels, from the base LE to the top-shelf Platinum, with the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a touch of exclusivity. Inside, the Sienna's cabin was a haven of practicality and comfort. The Platinum trim impressed with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna's interior was designed with families in mind, offering seating for seven or eight passengers and a host of storage solutions. The minivan's spaciousness and thoughtful design made it a smart choice for families seeking both style and functionality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The gas-powered 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, providing a balanced blend of power and handling. The GV70 Electrified model, on the other hand, utilized a 77.4-kWh battery pack and dual electric motors, generating a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. With a range of 236 miles, the electric GV70 offered a smooth and confident driving experience, enhanced by a Boost Mode that temporarily increased output to 483 horsepower.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna embraced a hybrid powertrain across all models. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors, and a third rear-mounted motor for all-wheel drive trims, resulting in a total system output of 245 horsepower. While the Sienna's power figures were modest compared to some competitors, its chassis and steering impressed with nimbleness and ease of handling. The Sienna's light steering feel made it a breeze to maneuver in urban settings, and its drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, offered versatility for different driving conditions. However, the Sienna's acceleration was less spirited, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) could be noisy under heavy throttle.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided a practical yet luxurious interior space. With the rear seats folded, it offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience. Up front, the GV70's center console included decently large cupholders and a helpful tray with a retractable lid. While the front seats offered ample comfort and adjustability, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for optimal comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its minivan platform allowed for exceptional use of space, with 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space reached 101 cubic feet, although the middle row of seats could not be fully removed or folded into the floor. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, featuring extending ottomans and long sliding tracks for enhanced legroom. The Sienna's interior was a haven of cubbies, nooks, and bins, providing ample storage for passengers and their belongings.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interface was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis also included helpful buttons and a rotary dial for control, although the proximity of the rotary dial to the vehicle's shifter could lead to confusion. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features like ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna relied on Toyota's older infotainment interface. While it included core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the interface felt dated and clunky. The Sienna's 9-inch touchscreen was functional, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T model's Advance Package added features like a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. On the Electrified model, most driver-assistance features came standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA, and the 2022 model, which is mechanically identical, earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While the Sienna lacked some of the gimmicky features found in competitors, its safety features were comprehensive and family-focused.