2023 Toyota Sequoia 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, with the Sienna evolving over the years since its debut in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining 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. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that folded into the floor for added cargo space.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a bold three-row SUV that shared its design language with the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's exterior was marked by a traditional grille and front bumper, giving it a distinct presence. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with upscale materials in the Capstone trim. The interior boasted a massive 14-inch infotainment system and a luxurious two-tone colour scheme. However, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia offered various trims, including the off-road-focused TRD Pro, but its off-road capabilities were slightly less than its predecessor. The Sequoia's pricing ranged from $79,335 to $95,335, with additional costs for premium features.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. This setup was a continuation from the previous year, aligning with Toyota's reputation for hybrid technology. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system added an electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined, while AWD models recorded 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a robust hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with a 36-kilowatt electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Sequoia to tow up to 4,137 kilograms, significantly more than its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the suspension could be firm, especially in Sport modes, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces. The regenerative braking system, while effective, could feel unresponsive at times.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The 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's third-row bench folded easily into the floor, and the power-operated sliding doors and liftgate offered convenience for families. The Sienna's towing capacity was 1,585 kilograms, making it a versatile family vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was designed for comfort on open roads, with a quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. The Sequoia's interior featured a JBL audio system, triple-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated seats. However, the panoramic moonroof reduced second-row headroom, and the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres by sliding the seat forward. The Sequoia's maximum cargo capacity was 2,460 litres, significantly less than its predecessor and competitors. The hybrid powertrain's battery pack compromised interior space, but the Sequoia offered an adjustable cargo shelf for better space utilization.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. 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 Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The Sequoia's Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the infotainment system could suffer from glare, and the Intelligent Assistant had occasional issues with voice commands. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic braking system were effective in preventing collisions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra received high safety ratings.