2023 Nissan Ariya 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 its design over the years. The Sienna's latest iteration aimed to blend the practicality of a minivan with the stylish appeal of an SUV. 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 functional 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 Nissan Ariya embraced a modern and striking design, characteristic of top-tier electric vehicles. Its sleek, oval shape and smooth lines set it apart from traditional SUVs. The Ariya's front featured thin LED headlights and a distinctive grille area, while the rear boasted a continuous taillight and unique styling. Inside, the Ariya showcased meticulous craftsmanship, with minimal hard plastics and a clean dashboard design. The dual 12-inch monitors and ambient lighting added to the futuristic feel, while the absence of a transmission tunnel created an open and airy cabin environment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup was a first for Toyota minivans, aligning with the brand's reputation for hybrid technology. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter featuring an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. 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, and it boasted impressive fuel consumption figures, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which featured a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. Higher trims, like the Platinum+ e-4ORCE, added a second motor for a total of 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya's performance was commendable, with quick steering and well-managed body roll. Its dual-motor AWD system provided excellent grip and acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's efficiency was notable, with the FWD model achieving around 5.6 km per kWh, translating to a range of over 350 km.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a cavernous interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. Its sliding second row 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 featured power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its EV architecture, providing a spacious and open interior. While headroom in the rear was slightly compromised by the moonroof, the absence of a transmission tunnel contributed to a roomy feel. The Ariya offered 1,670 litres of cargo space behind the front seats, comparable to other electric crossovers. Innovative features like a powered bin under the centre stack and adjustable centre console added to its practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna included a range of telematics services and optional upgrades like a rear-seat entertainment system and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya boasted dual 12-inch displays, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto as standard. Its infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, with Alexa compatibility for smart home integration. The Ariya's tech-forward approach extended to features like a head-up display and advanced infotainment software.

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 the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aids, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya incorporated advanced safety features, including ProPilot Assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. While it had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, its comprehensive safety equipment was promising.