2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready persona, a nod to its origins in the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its roots, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for tackling obstacles, while the interior, though functional, showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In Canada, the 4Runner was available in Trail and SR5 models, with various TRD and Limited packages. The Trail model featured 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck. The TRD Sport and Limited trims offered more road-oriented features, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro were equipped for serious off-roading. The 4Runner came standard with a host of driver assistance features, two-row seating, and dual-zone automatic climate control, with the option to upgrade to three rows in the Limited package.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Despite the decline of the minivan market, Toyota remained committed to the segment, with the Sienna evolving through four generations since its debut in 1998. The latest iteration, launched in 2021, featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that easily folded into the floor. The Sienna's flexible seating arrangements and generous cargo space made it a practical choice for families.

The Sienna's interior was thoughtfully designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, with an uncluttered front cabin and clever storage solutions throughout. The second-row seats could slide significantly, providing easy access to the third row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families. With a maximum towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms, the Sienna was ready to handle various family adventures.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single engine option, a 4.0-litre V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable and provided decent acceleration, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to the standard 4WD with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, in contrast, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with four selectable drive modes. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while AWD models achieved 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Sienna's hybrid battery pack was covered by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available behind the second row. The three-row model had slightly less cargo space, with a maximum of 2,514 litres and 1,311 litres behind the second row. The third-row seat, available only on the Limited package, increased seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access to the cargo area. While the 4Runner's cabin was not the most spacious or efficient, it provided ample storage for gear.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, 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's 60/40-split third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and each row offered storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics but felt dated compared to more modern systems.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trim levels featured upgraded audio systems, with a 12-speaker JBL system available. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was also available. The Sienna's technology offerings were comprehensive, catering to the needs of modern families.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and several LATCH connectors were also standard. The Sienna's safety features were comprehensive, providing peace of mind for families.