2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, maintained a classic design that had aged gracefully over the years. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, giving it a robust yet refined appearance. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered a variety of trim levels, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials and clever storage solutions. With seating for seven or eight passengers, it provided ample space and comfort, especially in the Platinum trim with luxurious leather upholstery and wood-grain accents.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and stable ride. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD models.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing 245 net system horsepower. While its acceleration was less thrilling, the Sienna excelled in handling and steering, offering a nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna's drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, provided versatility, though the EV mode was not particularly effective.

The Sequoia offered spacious and comfortable seating across all three rows, with features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. Its cargo space was versatile, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The Sequoia's interior was designed for durability, making it ideal for families.

The Sienna, with its minivan platform, made excellent use of space, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet in total. While its middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, the Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, providing comfort and flexibility. The Sienna's interior was filled with clever storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

The Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia's technology package was enhanced with options like a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

The Sienna, while also using an older infotainment interface, offered a 9-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included seven USB ports and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. Despite some quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and its physical buttons were appreciated for ease of use.

The Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also included a full complement of airbags and other safety features, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.