2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Subaru Forester

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 the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a design that blended SUV-like 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, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and a versatile third-row bench that folded into the floor for additional cargo space.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a design that prioritized function over form, with a focus on practicality and simplicity. The Forester's exterior, while not particularly striking, was equipped with robust roof rails and a high static-weight rating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Inside, the Forester Premier trim offered a blend of traditional Subaru design elements, such as analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen, with upscale touches like brown leather upholstery and metallic accents. The cabin was designed for ease of use, with excellent visibility and straightforward controls, although some might find the back seat less comfortable for long journeys.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 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 and was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform, and it boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive and a CVT with eight programmed ratios. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction control system provided additional capability in challenging conditions. Despite its modest power output, the Forester excelled in driving dynamics, offering a comfortable and communicative ride with precise steering and effective brakes. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, with a combined rating of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats 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 busy families.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. It offered a spacious cabin with excellent outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. The Forester's cargo area was well-designed, with hooks for grocery bags, tie-downs, and hidden storage under the load floor. It provided 762 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,957 litres with the rear seats folded. While the Forester's interior was generally comfortable, some might find the back seat less supportive for long trips.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless smartphone integration, it featured a range of telematics services and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Higher trim levels offered a premium JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. An 8-inch display was available, along with a Harman Kardon audio system. While the Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, its voice-recognition system was less reliable, making smartphone integration a preferred option for navigation and other functions.

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, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced an updated EyeSight system with improved cameras and software. It offered adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert on most trims. However, the Forester's safety ratings saw a slight decline, with a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was available on higher trims, providing additional safety features.