2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting elegant SUVs. Its design was a testament to wealth and taste, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic was a scaled-down version of the iconic Range Rover, maintaining its tall, tent-like profile in a sporty package. The vehicle's sleek lines, flush door handles, and distinctive grille made it stand out among small luxury SUVs. Inside, the Velar's cabin was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black centre stack, even in the base trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's image, shedding its traditional style for a more modern look. The front-end design resembled a Japanese bullet train, and the Sienna offered various trims, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The interior was spacious and functional, with clever storage solutions and high-quality materials. The Sienna's design focused on practicality, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate enhancing its family-friendly appeal. The cabin was comfortable, with options for seven or eight passengers, and the second-row seats provided ample legroom for adults.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a unique driving experience for a Land Rover. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the performance was adequate, the Velar's mission as a street-focused SUV limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower, enhancing performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing 245 net system horsepower. While the power was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering offered a surprisingly nimble driving experience. The minivan was easy to manoeuvre in urban settings and comfortable on highways. The Sienna's drive modes included EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but the hybrid system's limitations were evident, particularly in acceleration and sound.

The Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response.

The Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf on the dash. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,129 litres with seats folded, though the middle row couldn't be removed. The second-row captain’s chairs were functional and comfortable, with features like extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added flexibility.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation. The system included a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and 360-degree cameras. Standard features included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian sound system.

The Sienna's technology was reliable but dated, with an older infotainment interface. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality. Despite its age, the system's physical buttons were a practical feature.

The Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety in a family vehicle.