2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was a standard feature with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a US-market special edition that added features like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its price nearing $60,000, the Wrangler Sport S interior remained basic, emphasizing durability and practicality over luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered a range of trims, from the base LE to the sporty XSE and the upper-class Limited, with a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim introduced for 2023. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, particularly in the Platinum trim. It provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design focused on practicality, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, making it a smart choice for families. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to drive, offering a nimble chassis and light steering feel, making it suitable for city driving.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, ideal for challenging weather conditions. According to Natural Resources Canada, the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 14.0 L/100 km over 700 kilometres. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its rough-and-tumble nature, loud cabin, and frequent fuel stops. Despite its quirks, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous driving experience, appealing to those seeking off-road capabilities and a sense of freedom.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While its power output was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were praised for their nimbleness and ease of driving. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna was fun to drive, with a tidy turning radius and a comfortable ride. However, its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and lackluster acceleration were noted as drawbacks compared to more powerful rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was designed for durability and practicality, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. However, getting in and out of the Wrangler was challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas but compromised in others. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded. Storage options were limited, with small trays and compartments.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. It featured a spacious interior with a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf extending across the dashboard. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,860 litres of cargo space. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans for extra support. The Sienna's design prioritized passenger comfort and practicality, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was relatively basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features like satellite radio and a premium audio system, the basic setup provided essential functionality. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, featured an older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the interface was functional, it felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system providing good sound quality. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology offered essential features for a family vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance. While competitors offered additional features, the Sienna's safety technology was robust and reliable.