2023 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan functionality. Its design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a robust and assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating for families, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a versatile third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more conservative design with its sixth-generation model, featuring a blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase. While it lacked the personality of its predecessor, the new CR-V's styling was expected to age gracefully. The EX-L trim boasted 18-inch alloy wheels and a refined interior with leather-wrapped seats and a dashboard inspired by the latest Civic. The CR-V's cabin exuded quality and simplicity, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system and additional features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and a power rear liftgate. Despite its understated design, the CR-V offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota's minivan lineup. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 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 surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while AWD models recorded 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Like the Sienna, it used a CVT to power either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT's droning noise was a drawback, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a refined driving experience. Its suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth and engaging ride. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined rating of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres, and it averaged 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous test route.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added flexibility for cargo loading, with cargo capacities 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. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate enhanced convenience, making it easy to access the vehicle even with hands full.

The 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest version yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space and comfort, with high seating positions and generous legroom. The CR-V's cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space with the rear load floor in its lowest position, expanding to 2,166 litres with the back seat folded. The Hybrid model offered slightly reduced cargo capacities. The CR-V featured numerous storage solutions, though some were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it included a range of telematics services and Bluetooth capabilities. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on select trims.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, and an eight-speaker sound system. While the CR-V's technology package was an improvement over its predecessor, it lacked some features found in competitors. The top-tier Touring Hybrid offered a Bose sound system and navigation, but these were not available on lower trims.

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 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's safety systems were enhanced by new camera and radar units, though some features could be improved. The CR-V was built with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.