2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design from its 2015 debut, despite undergoing several updates over the years. The latest model featured a refreshed exterior with larger standard wheels and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. The Macan lineup in Canada included four models: the base Macan, Macan T, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan S adopting the previous GTS model’s twin-turbo V6 engine. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, showcased a striking Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, embodying Porsche's tradition of combining elegance with performance. Inside, the Macan's cabin exuded a sporty and upscale vibe, with red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents, drawing inspiration from other Porsche models.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's design, which featured a macho front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel. The Sienna's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The cabin avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and abundant storage options, including a spacious under-console area and numerous cup holders. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating, with available captain’s chairs and a standard 60/40-split third-row bench that easily folded into the floor, enhancing the Sienna's practicality for family use.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the base Macan and Macan T, delivering 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, producing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test vehicle featured a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, generating 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The Macan S boasted improved steering and suspension, larger 20-inch wheels, and Porsche Active Suspension Management for enhanced ride and handling. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan S offered a comfortable driving experience, with responsive steering and impressive braking performance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 model, featured a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on most trims, adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled CVT, offering smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. The TNGA platform contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in city driving and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models recorded 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway. The hybrid system's battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats featuring heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls provided a modern look but required drivers to divert their attention from the road. Cargo space was modest, with 488 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The interior featured ample storage, power-operated sliding doors, and a rear liftgate with available foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, navigation, and connected services, with options for a Bose or Burmester audio system. The user experience was generally intuitive, though the voice recognition system lagged behind competitors. The Macan lacked Android Auto compatibility, but stereo volume and climate controls were easily accessible.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Macan's safety features performed as expected, though it lacked advanced driving assistance technologies. Parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.