2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a familiar appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors over the past two decades. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was a nod to the many green Foresters seen on the road. The Forester came in various trims, with the Touring trim showcasing 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Its design was practical, with robust roof rails and a functional interior featuring Saddle Brown leather and metallic accents. The cabin was straightforward, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen, emphasizing ease of use with traditional buttons and knobs.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and vibrant color options. The XSE trim, with its sporty black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels, stood out. The Woodland Edition added off-road features like roof rails and a tow hitch. Inside, the Sienna provided a spacious feel with horizontal design lines and a fixed center console. The XSE trim, with its Premium package, included leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats, enhancing comfort for family journeys.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It offered a Sport mode and X-Mode for off-road conditions. The Forester excelled in challenging weather, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. Its driving dynamics were commendable, with responsive steering and brakes, though the engine was merely adequate. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg, below its EPA rating, and lacked a turbocharged or hybrid option.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors, delivering 245 horsepower. While not performance-oriented, it offered a smooth ride with a CVT. The Sienna felt sluggish during acceleration, especially on highways. Around town, it was pleasant, with modes like Normal, Eco, and EV for different driving conditions. The brakes were slightly grabby, but steering was light and visibility excellent. Competing minivans offered stronger V6 engines for those seeking more power.

The Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats available from the Premium trim. Visibility was excellent, and entry and exit were easy. The interior offered ample storage, though the rear seats lacked comfort for long trips. Cargo space was practical, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space, with a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs offered up to 40 inches of legroom, though they couldn’t be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible and spacious, with 39 inches of legroom when the second row was adjusted. The rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 101 cubes with seats folded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone integration. While the graphics were outdated, physical buttons for common menus were convenient. The backup camera was grainy, but a Wi-Fi hotspot and optional JBL stereo were available. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter provided power for devices.

The 2023 Subaru Forester included the EyeSight suite with updated software and cameras. Features like Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking were available on higher trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it showed some age in newer tests.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While lane-keeping assist was slightly inconsistent, the system was easy to control. The Sienna received four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection from the NHTSA, with a "Good" rating from the IIHS.