2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. The Sienna, with its SUV-inspired design, 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 interior, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to families. The cabin's design avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a more refined and uncluttered experience for drivers and passengers alike.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design philosophy, offering a clean and simple aesthetic. Despite its understated appearance, the Range Rover Sport exuded luxury with its Eiger Grey paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and Deep Garnet over Ebony interior theme. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, including Windsor leather and aluminum trim, creating an atmosphere of understated opulence. The Range Rover Sport's design was complemented by advanced features like flush-mounted door handles and premium LED headlights, enhancing its sophisticated appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, aided by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience. With its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, the Sienna delivered impressive handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while AWD models managed 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was also available, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Range Rover Sport's performance was characterized by its ability to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Range Rover Sport delivered a refined on-road experience, with adaptive damping air suspension and advanced driving modes enhancing its dynamic performance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The 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's power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, provided added convenience for families on the go.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a luxurious yet functional interior. The Range Rover Command Driving Position provided a tall, airy feel, while the air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with available massage features and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded, and included practical features like a power liftgate and adjustable air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM compatibility. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was absent, the Sienna included a range of telematics services and audio system upgrades across trim levels. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display and wireless headphones, enhancing the in-car experience for passengers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. While the Pivi Pro infotainment platform promised personalization and intuitive use, it often proved confusing and frustrating. Despite these challenges, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system, enhancing the overall driving experience. Wireless smartphone charging and Alexa integration were also available, providing added convenience for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a Top Safety Pick+ rating 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 tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SUV also offered adaptive cruise control with steering assist, although its performance was not as smooth as expected. Additional features like a surround-view camera system and Remote Park Assist enhanced the Range Rover Sport's safety credentials, providing drivers with added confidence on the road.