2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, which debuted in 1998, evolved over the years, with the fourth generation launching in 2021. This model embraced a more SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly designed door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical interior, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a standard third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive design. Its flared fender arches and distinctive third-row window design gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The Highlander offered a range of trims, with the XSE model showcasing unique styling elements, including a bold red leather interior option. The Highlander provided a comfortable and tech-savvy cabin, with features like ambient lighting and a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering clever storage solutions and a range of comfort features across different trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, and it achieved excellent fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, came with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered a range of drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, as well as terrain-specific modes for AWD. While the V6 engine provided strong performance, especially at highway speeds, its fuel efficiency was less impressive compared to the Sienna. The Highlander excelled in handling, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim, and it had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered flexible cargo space, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, and its interior was equipped with numerous storage compartments and cupholders.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and a spacious centre console. The XSE trim featured second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort and accessibility to the third row, although the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth connectivity across all trims. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna also included a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It offered a straightforward interface with hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system were available on higher trims, providing an enhanced audio experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with standard forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. The Highlander included eight airbags and optional safety features like a surround-view parking monitor and a digital rearview mirror.