2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan market, a segment that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan, evolving its design over the years. The Sienna's latest iteration, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The vehicle featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows, including available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a spacious third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize crossover, showcasing Lincoln's modern design language. The Aviator's exterior was marked by a distinctive Lincoln face and grille, although the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The vehicle featured an inviting lighting sequence and electric, light-touch door handles, enhancing its premium feel. Inside, the Aviator boasted a lavish cabin with high-end materials, though some chrome detailing felt less luxurious. The interior was a visual feast with patterned metal trim and contrasting colours, aiming for an Art Deco aesthetic. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. The vehicle's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while AWD models managed 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered substantial power with its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, electric motor, and battery pack, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, to optimize efficiency. Despite its power, the drivetrain's responsiveness was inconsistent, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package provided a stable and comfortable ride, though it lacked the engaging driving experience of sportier SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family vehicle, offering versatile cargo space with the ability to carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. Cargo capacity was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, especially when carrying groceries or children.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seating was cramped, limiting its practicality for adults. Cargo space was limited to 519 litres with all seats in use, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 2,200 litres at maximum capacity. The Aviator's power-folding third-row seats were a useful feature, but the overall interior space was less accommodating than the Sienna's.

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 optional upgrades like a rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna's audio system varied by trim, with a 12-speaker JBL system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's audio system was a highlight, with a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D system providing exceptional sound quality. Smartphone integration was enhanced with wireless charging and the optional Phone As A Key system, allowing for keyless operation.

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, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. However, its driver aids were less reliable in heavy traffic and on curvy roads. The Aviator had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.