2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a distinctive look with its sleek front and rear fascias and a range of cool colors like deep blue, red, or green. The Sienna's design was complemented by standard LED lighting, with upper trims featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, known for its sporty appearance, included a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition, available in exclusive colors, was designed for off-road readiness with features like roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance. The Sienna's interior boasted practical features such as cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight passengers. The XSE trim with the optional Premium package offered additional luxury with captain's chairs, leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats, and a leather-trimmed power steering wheel. The Sienna's interior design emphasized spaciousness, with horizontal design lines and a fixed center console with satin accents.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's performance was enhanced by a new vehicle architecture, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and tow up to 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was notable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and it achieved 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and impressive ground clearance.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was a hybrid minivan with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While it offered a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode for better acceleration, the Sienna's performance was not particularly thrilling. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smooth but sluggish ride, especially when merging on highways or climbing hills. However, the Sienna provided a pleasant driving experience around town, with modes like Normal, Eco, and EV for different driving conditions. The brakes were a bit grabby, but the steering was light and accurate, and visibility was excellent. The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, making it a practical choice for family transportation.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. The test vehicle featured Windsor leather upholstery, 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and available massage functionality. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport's interior storage was decent, with various bins and pockets for smaller items.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox with a wireless charging pad. The second-row captain's chairs could slide fore and aft, providing up to 40 inches of legroom. However, the slide function was complex, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space. The third row offered ample legroom and reclining seats, with window shades and cupholders for added comfort. The Sienna's cargo area provided 33.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 101 cubic feet with the third row stowed. The rear liftgate could be activated with a kick motion, and the Sienna featured tri-zone climate control with physical HVAC buttons.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and understanding its functionality. The Range Rover Sport also featured impressive Meridian audio systems, Active Noise Cancellation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota's older infotainment technology with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system lacked the speed and graphics of newer systems, it included physical buttons for common menus. The backup camera's grainy view was a drawback, but the Sienna offered a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional JBL stereo system. The Sienna also had a rear-camera mirror and in-dash navigation, with plenty of USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter for charging devices.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself using a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Sienna's safety features worked well, with adaptive cruise control easing the stress of commuting. The Sienna received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with top scores in crashworthiness and child restraint systems.