2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota's effort to modernize the Sienna was evident in its front-end styling and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a unique touch. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the latter configuration allowing for three car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with a few updates, notably in the Wilderness trim, which featured a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The Outback's exterior design was enhanced by tasteful chrome accents and varying wheel designs across trims. The interior of the Touring XT trim was surprisingly upscale, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. The Outback offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, catering to different preferences. Despite its sleek profile, the Outback provided ample interior space, making it a versatile option for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 245 horsepower. While this setup was efficient, it lacked the punch of some competitors, and the CVT's performance was less than thrilling. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a surprisingly fun driving experience for a minivan. The Sienna featured multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was the most balanced, as Eco and EV modes had limitations, and Sport mode didn't quite transform the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower and a more robust 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower. The turbo engine, standard on the Wilderness trim, significantly improved performance, especially in terms of towing capacity, which increased to 3,500 lbs. The Outback's CVT mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission, enhancing the driving experience. With Subaru's Symmetrical AWD and a well-engineered suspension, the Outback provided a comfortable ride, and its off-road capabilities were bolstered by features like the advanced X-Mode in the Wilderness trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with clever solutions like a large cubby below the center console and a long dash shelf. Its spacious design offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the middle row couldn't be removed or stowed, limiting maximum cargo space compared to some rivals. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with features like extending ottomans and adjustable tracks, ensuring comfort for passengers of all sizes.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, didn't compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than some competitors, and its cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. The Outback's feature set was impressive, with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate available on higher trims. The heated steering wheel, standard from the Onyx Edition, was a standout feature, providing comfort in colder climates. The Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars added to its practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system, but its interface felt dated and occasionally clunky. Despite these drawbacks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with physical buttons offering a practical touch in an increasingly digital world.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a more modern tech experience, with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the Premium trim. The Subaru Starlink platform, while reminiscent of older systems, was functional, and the climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen. The Outback also featured Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system on most trims, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2024 Subaru Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, with enhancements like reverse automatic braking and a wide-angle camera on the Touring trim. The Outback's safety features were robust, with blind-spot monitoring and a driver-attention monitor adding to its appeal.