2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim, giving it a sporty appearance that was previously absent. This edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the gray interior was appreciated, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable option, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design that resembled a Japanese bullet train, especially at the front end. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The interior was praised for its high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, particularly in the Platinum trim. The Sienna provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design and features made it a smart choice for families, offering larger cargo capacity and easy access.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity was up to 2,270 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and it featured Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was powered by a hybrid system combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering 245 net system horsepower. While the powertrain 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, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance. The Sienna's light steering feel and tidy turning radius made it well-suited for city driving, while its platform provided a comfortable highway cruising experience.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and the available panoramic sunroof extended over them. The Ascent provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,061 litres with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with ample space for bags and a long shelf for phones. The Sienna's minivan platform made excellent use of space, offering 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,860 litres in total. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on higher trims. The Sienna's third-row seats could accommodate adults with genuine legroom, a rarity in three-row crossovers.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, lacking the premium sound quality of the optional Harman Kardon system.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used an older infotainment interface with core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay. The system relied on physical buttons, which some users appreciated. Despite its older design, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, the system's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control lacked refinement.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-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 focused on essential safety features.