2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite the decline in minivan popularity, Toyota continued to innovate, introducing the fourth-generation Sienna in 2021. This model embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan functionality, with features like sliding side doors and a robust front end. The Sienna's design cleverly integrated the sliding door mechanisms, offering a sleek profile with standard 17-inch wheels, which could be upgraded to 18 or 20 inches on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna provided a spacious and practical environment, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to family needs, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a bold, assertive design. The sixth-generation CR-V was larger, with a more muscular stance, and featured modernized taillights and a blockier rear end. The Hybrid Touring trim, in particular, showcased sporty elements like black roof rails and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed Honda's trend towards a premium feel, with high-quality materials and a design consistent with other Honda models. The interior was both functional and stylish, with a honeycomb grille across the dash and thoughtful touches like contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter adding an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. This setup provided 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes including Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, and it boasted impressive fuel economy figures, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined and AWD models 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, meanwhile, offered a new hybrid powertrain that combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h and a towing capacity of 450 kg. The CR-V Hybrid featured a CVT and introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, enhancing traction. The CR-V Hybrid also included a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking, contributing to its fuel efficiency, which was rated at 6.4 L/100 km combined.

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. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, 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 offered a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, translating to increased interior volume. It offered 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, and the reclining rear seats offered eight positions. The CR-V Hybrid's interior was designed for practicality, with a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional features like Qi wireless charging and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and higher trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical controls, while higher trims had a 9-inch display. It included USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats. The Hybrid Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V Hybrid also received top safety ratings and featured new airbags and a stiffer structure for improved crash protection.