2022 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered a range of trims, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition, and focused on practicality with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate. The Sienna's interior was spacious and well-appointed, with options for seven or eight passengers and features like extending ottomans in the second row. While the Sienna's hybrid powertrain provided efficiency, its performance was less impressive compared to competitors. However, the Sienna excelled in terms of interior space and comfort, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a crawl gear for low-speed driving. All models came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, ensuring off-road capability. The Bronco excelled in challenging terrains, with models like the Everglades showcasing impressive water fording and rock-climbing abilities. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and highway driving.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While the Sienna's powertrain was efficient, it lacked the power needed for its size and weight, resulting in lackluster acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a less-than-ideal driving experience. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The Sienna's light steering made it easy to maneuver in urban settings, and its drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, provided some flexibility, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top providing up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including a large armrest bin, netted door pockets, and accessory rails. Its utility was further enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares, making it a practical choice for adventure seekers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the third row folded. Total cargo space reached 2,860 litres, though 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, with extending ottomans and a long sliding track for added comfort. The Sienna's spacious interior and thoughtful design made it an excellent choice for families needing ample passenger and cargo space.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for novice drivers and a forward-looking trail camera for improved visibility. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and off-road apps. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The Bronco's technology balanced modern convenience with off-road functionality, making it a well-rounded choice for tech-savvy adventurers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, relied on an older infotainment interface, offering core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface included physical buttons, which some drivers preferred for ease of use. However, the system felt outdated and required wired connections for smartphone integration. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system available on higher trims. While not cutting-edge, the Sienna's technology met the needs of most families.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most categories, with "Acceptable" for head restraints and seats. Standard airbags and a rollover sensor provided additional safety.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered similar safety features, the Sienna's comprehensive safety package made it a reliable choice for families.