2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design and practical features. Despite the stigma often associated with minivans, the Sienna offered a stylish alternative with its bullet train-inspired front-end styling and available 20-inch wheels on select trims. It provided a range of trim levels, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition. The interior was a highlight, especially in the Platinum trim, with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the latter configuration allowing for three car seats in the middle row, making it a smart choice for families.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, boxy design, reminiscent of its 2010 roots. While it may have appeared outdated, its flared fenders and wide stance conveyed stability, crucial for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model, with its skid plates and all-terrain tires, exuded a serious off-road attitude. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling and analog instrument panel harkened back to a previous era. Despite its dated appearance, the interior offered practicality with cushioned panels and grained upholstery. The 4Runner's design was functional, with excellent visibility and ample space for passengers, though headroom was limited in the second row.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, it provided a nimble and surprisingly fun driving experience. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver in urban settings. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and lackluster acceleration left something to be desired. The Sienna offered various drive modes, but the normal mode was the most practical choice, as the others had limitations.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While its power figures were competitive, the five-speed automatic transmission hindered its performance compared to rivals with more gears. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its 4WD system and terrain controls, but on-road performance was less impressive. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in noticeable body roll and a noisy ride. The TRD Pro's exhaust added to the noise, making it challenging to enjoy the premium audio system.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. With a length of over 200 inches and a 120.5-inch wheelbase, it offered ample cargo space, including 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sienna's minivan platform made efficient use of space, though the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design felt dated, but it offered practicality with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. The front seats provided ample space, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was restricted. The 4Runner's cargo capacity reached 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with seats stowed. While lacking remote seat releases, the 4Runner featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver for towing.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but dated, featuring an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen, while not impressive on paper, was functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality. However, the interface required wired connections for smartphone integration, and some quirks made it less user-friendly.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system also included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen posed challenges while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full utilization.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA and varying scores from the IIHS. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. However, some alerts were overly sensitive, and the 4Runner's safety scores lagged behind competitors like the Ford Bronco.