2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of this vehicle type, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment. The Sienna, with its history dating back to 1998, evolved over the years, culminating in the fourth-generation model launched in 2021. This version attempted to blend the practicality of a minivan with the styling cues of an SUV. Its design 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 seating configurations that catered to families.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV that prioritized sleek and sculpted aesthetics over the traditional boxy design. Its exterior was reminiscent of a luxury vehicle, with a tapering roofline and harmonious curves that set it apart from other Toyota models. The interior borrowed elements from the RAV4 but elevated them with higher-quality materials and a more luxurious feel. The Venza's cabin was designed to offer a refined experience, with features like integrated climate controls and soft-touch surfaces, making it one of the more stylish options in Toyota's lineup.

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 deliver 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter featuring an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The vehicle's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway.

The 2023 Toyota Venza shared its powertrain with the RAV4 Hybrid, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system that produced 219 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Venza's acceleration was smooth, with the electric motors providing initial thrust before the gasoline engine seamlessly took over. It reached 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds, a respectable time for its class. The Venza prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, offering a smooth and compliant ride, although its steering lacked precision and feedback.

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 space measuring 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms. The interior featured power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2023 Toyota Venza offered a spacious front cabin with large windows and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the feeling of openness. The rear seats provided ample legroom, although headroom was slightly limited. Cargo capacity was modest at 816 litres, significantly less than some competitors. The Venza was not rated for towing, but it excelled in providing storage for smaller personal items, with features like a wireless phone charger and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna included a range of telematics services and audio system upgrades, with higher trims offering a 12-speaker JBL system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims boasted a 12.3-inch display with improved graphics and responsiveness. The Venza also offered a virtual navigator and a premium JBL audio system on select trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and blind spot monitoring. It also featured 10 airbags and multiple child-seat connectors, enhancing its family-friendly credentials.

The 2023 Toyota Venza also earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a surround-view camera system on higher trims.