2023 Dodge Durango 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, with its history dating back to 1998, evolved over the years, culminating in the fourth-generation model launched in 2021. This version embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with integrated styling details. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and cleverly designed 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 2023 Dodge Durango, despite entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its appeal with clean, car-like styling. Dodge avoided the trend of oversized grilles, opting for a slim design with forward-leaning headlights and distinctive "racetrack" taillights. The Durango's SRT models featured subtle yet unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a comfortable space with materials suited to various trim levels. The Citadel and SRT models added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango also expanded its colour palette for 2023, adding new options to its lineup.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered exclusively by a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota's minivans. It featured 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. The AWD system included a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth power delivery and excellent fuel efficiency. It boasted impressive fuel consumption figures, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models recorded slightly higher numbers. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The Durango R/T and Citadel trims offered a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model took performance up a notch with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The pinnacle of performance was the Durango SRT Hellcat, featuring a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, complemented by adaptive-damping suspension and performance tires.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its 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 towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms. The interior featured a standard 60/40-split third-row bench that easily folded into the floor, along with ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seating configurations for six or seven passengers, with standard front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench on lower trims. Higher trims featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango provided competitive interior space compared to other midsize SUVs, with cargo capacities of 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback for higher trims. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror on select trims, providing a clear view of the road behind.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system provided a user-friendly experience, with the larger screen offering additional features like the Performance Pages app on SRT models. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the 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, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It scored well in side crash tests but received lower marks in frontal crash tests. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with additional driver-assist technologies available on higher trims.