2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, evolving its models over the years. The Sienna, with its fourth-generation debut in 2021, embraced a design that attempted to blend SUV aesthetics with traditional minivan functionality. Its exterior featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to family needs. The interior design avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a more refined and uncluttered experience for drivers and passengers alike.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's other models. Available in four trims in Canada, the Santa Fe offered a standard all-wheel-drive system and a range of features that appealed to families and individuals alike. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, in particular, showcased a high-quality interior with Nappa leather seats and a host of comfort features. While the Santa Fe's cabin was dark and monotone, it provided a premium feel, especially with the inclusion of heated and cooled front seats. The Santa Fe's design choices reflected a balance between practicality and style, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota's minivan lineup. This system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter featuring an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to the Sienna's smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. According to Natural Resources Canada, the Sienna achieved fuel consumption ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway for FWD models, with slightly higher figures for AWD versions. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system and platform design.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and smooth power delivery. The Santa Fe's eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission contributed to its sporty feel, especially when paired with the turbo engine. The SUV featured a drive-mode selector with four customizable modes, enhancing its versatility in various driving conditions. While the Santa Fe's towing capacity varied between the non-turbo and turbo models, it offered a competitive performance package for its class.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats 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's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for families on the go. The minivan's towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms further underscored its practicality as a family workhorse.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding down the second row expanded the storage capacity to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage available. The Santa Fe's interior comfort was a highlight, with standard features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Higher trims added luxury touches such as ventilated front seats, a power driver seat cushion extension, and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included advanced features like Remote Smart Parking Assist and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a notable omission. The Sienna featured a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, providing entertainment options for passengers. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System added convenience and safety to the driving experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Santa Fe's infotainment system offered extensive customization options, though its voice-recognition capabilities had mixed results. The SUV's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included features like forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety and convenience for drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating, respectively. The Sienna's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Santa Fe's comprehensive suite of ADAS included forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a safe-exit assist system. The SUV's Highway Driving Assist feature combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, providing added convenience and safety for drivers.