2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Subaru Outback

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 to blend practicality with a touch of SUV-inspired style. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and versatile cabin, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating for families, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench that folded flat into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance, with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Outback's rugged design was complemented by practical features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills, enhancing its utility. Inside, the Outback Limited trim offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with premium Nappa leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The Outback's interior was designed for comfort during long journeys, with ample legroom and storage options, although wind noise was noted on highways due to the roof rack design.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup provided smooth power delivery through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, and it delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower, paired with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Outback's engine provided adequate power for city driving, it struggled with acceleration and passing on highways. For those seeking more performance, the Outback XT models offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 horsepower, though at the cost of reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's standard all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, 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 offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity, making it a practical choice for families with diverse needs. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added convenience, especially when hands were full.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sills that doubled as steps. The Outback Limited trim provided a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated seats and a heated steering wheel, wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback offered 923 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down. While the Outback's interior was comfortable for long journeys, it could benefit from additional practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, which was a notable omission. The Sienna offered a range of audio systems, from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Safety and convenience features included a digital rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, and a Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, starting from the Touring trim. The system included physical controls for essential functions, while other features were embedded in the touchscreen. The Outback offered a Harman Kardon premium audio system and a wireless charging pad on most trims. While the infotainment system worked well, the voice recognition system was less effective, making smartphone connectivity essential for navigation and media control.

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, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors for child seats, and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight safety suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, some driver assist features, like the rear automatic braking system, were less compatible with certain driving conditions.