2023 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Sienna model over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The design featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that folded into the floor, making it a versatile choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned in 2022, carried forward its modern aesthetic with minimal changes. The Pathfinder's design combined futuristic elements with traditional SUV features, resulting in a vehicle that promised to remain stylish for years. The interior was praised for its clean lines and practical layout, making it user-friendly. The Pathfinder offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the rugged Rock Creek with off-road capabilities to the luxurious Platinum trim with advanced technology and comfort features. The Pathfinder's design and functionality made it a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans, 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's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in city driving and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slightly more powerful version with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a smooth and quiet driving experience. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim, with a taller suspension and off-road shocks. The Pathfinder also offered a rotary drive mode dial with various settings, including an All-Terrain mode in the Rock Creek, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms in the Rock Creek and higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space 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, added convenience for families. The third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and the cabin featured numerous storage cubbies and cupholders.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it offered 1,274 litres of cargo space, and 470 litres with all seats upright. The Pathfinder's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, and a third row suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain's chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder also boasted 12 cupholders and several storage compartments, making it practical for families.

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

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch version available on higher trims. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Pathfinder's infotainment system was user-friendly, though some found the graphics dated. It offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless device charging on higher trims. The Pathfinder's technology was practical, if not cutting-edge, providing essential connectivity features.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received 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, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a range of driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree parking monitor and traffic-sign recognition. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings for the 2023 model were not yet available.