2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a bold new design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's latest SUV styling trends. It featured a reimagined V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo prominently displayed. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the bulky C-pillar paid homage to the original Pathfinder. With 11 paint options and a distinctive black roof, the Pathfinder presented a robust and rugged aesthetic. The SUV's wider stance and increased height contributed to its commanding presence on the road, positioning it as a capable and adventurous choice for buyers.

Inside, the Pathfinder offered a refined and upscale interior, especially in its higher trims. The SUV provided ample space for passengers, with standard eight-passenger seating, except for the Platinum trim, which featured second-row captain's chairs. The interior boasted a mix of cloth and semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, with quilted patterns on the Platinum grade. The Pathfinder's design changes aimed to enhance its rugged appeal, making it a strong contender against competitors like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Palisade, and Telluride.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, sought to redefine the minivan aesthetic by incorporating design elements reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. While the Sienna retained its minivan roots, Toyota's efforts to modernize its appearance were evident. The Sienna offered a range of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and upscale Limited trims. The introduction of the 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim added a touch of exclusivity to the lineup. The Sienna's design aimed to challenge the perception of minivans as unstylish, emphasizing its practicality and family-friendly features.

Inside, the Sienna impressed with its thoughtful interior design and high-quality materials. The Platinum trim, although not available in Canada, showcased luxurious brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The minivan's spacious interior and creative storage solutions made it a smart choice for families seeking comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While some enthusiasts hoped for alternative fuel options, the V6 provided ample power for most driving scenarios. The engine was paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. This transmission, sourced from ZF, offered smooth gear transitions and improved driving dynamics. The Pathfinder's standard all-wheel-drive system in Canada, along with hill descent control and seven drive modes, enhanced its versatility on various terrains.

The Pathfinder's suspension setup contributed to a stable and comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. Its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings, while its 6,000-pound towing capacity added to its practicality. The Pathfinder's towing capabilities were further supported by standard stabilizing trailer sway control technology, ensuring a stable towing experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors. This setup produced 245 net system horsepower, which, while less powerful than some competitors, offered improved fuel efficiency. The Sienna's continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smooth driving experience, although its acceleration was less spirited compared to rivals like the Odyssey.

The Sienna's chassis and steering impressed with their nimbleness, making it easy to drive in urban environments. Its light steering feel and tidy turning radius enhanced maneuverability, while the available drive modes allowed for customization. However, the Sienna's EV mode was limited in its effectiveness, and the Sport mode lacked the excitement found in other vehicles.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Its quiet cabin was achieved through improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass, reducing road and engine noise. The Pathfinder's design focused on accommodating families, with features like wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to install up to five car seats. The innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide system allowed for easy third-row access, even with a forward-facing car seat installed.

The Pathfinder's interior offered ample storage solutions, including a removable second-row centre console and a spacious front centre console. With 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,421 litres with the second and third rows folded, the Pathfinder provided versatility for various cargo needs. Its flush rear cargo space sides facilitated easy loading of large items, while the under-floor cargo space added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. The open cubby below the centre console and the long shelf on the dash provided convenient storage options. The Sienna's three-zone climate control and available four-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers. While keyless entry was not standard, push-button start was included.

The Sienna's minivan platform maximized interior space, offering 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with the seats folded. However, the middle row of seats could not be fully removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors. The second-row captain's chairs, with extending ottomans and long sliding tracks, provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder boasted a comprehensive suite of technology features, even in its lower trims. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum offered a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a head-up display. A 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, while equipped with essential technology, featured an older infotainment interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sienna's interface, though functional, felt dated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 9-inch touchscreen provided a satisfactory user experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder featured ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive 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 additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna prioritized essential safety features.