2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a refined design, riding on the robust Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. This platform was shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models, ensuring a solid foundation. The Venza's dimensions placed it on the smaller side of the midsize crossover SUV segment, yet it boasted a modern exterior that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its design featured a distinctive scalloped body side and a prominent nose, making it more suited for urban environments than rugged terrains. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display, providing comfort and elegance for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Despite its size, the Sienna was surprisingly nimble and easy to drive, offering a pleasant experience both in the city and on the highway. The Sienna's interior was a haven of storage solutions, with ample space for passengers and cargo. It featured a variety of trim levels, including a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition, catering to different preferences and budgets. The Sienna's seating configurations allowed for flexibility, accommodating up to eight passengers, and its second-row captain’s chairs provided exceptional comfort and functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for a balance between electric and gas drive, optimizing efficiency and performance. The Venza offered various drive modes, including electric-only (EV) for short distances, and utilized regenerative braking to recharge its lithium-ion battery. Its performance was characterized by sprightly handling and a comfortable ride, making it an ideal midsize family vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, plus a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, producing 245 net system horsepower. While the power output was less impressive compared to some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering provided a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, but its EV mode was largely ineffective, and the Sport mode lacked the excitement to disguise its minivan nature. Despite these limitations, the Sienna excelled in city driving with its light steering and tidy turning radius.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. Its interior was equipped with numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a spacious glove compartment. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 816 litres available behind the second row and up to 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin environment, utilizing sound-blocking materials throughout the vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. It offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with the second-row captain’s chairs providing exceptional comfort and functionality. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres in total. However, the middle row of seats could not be fully removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo space compared to some competitors. Despite this, the Sienna's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it convenient for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. Its infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with a range of connectivity options. Higher trims offered additional features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The Venza's technology package was comprehensive, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna utilized an older infotainment interface, which, while functional, felt outdated and clunky. It included core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna's technology was reliable, but the interface required a wired connection for smartphone integration and lacked dedicated buttons for easy access. Despite these limitations, the Sienna's 9-inch touchscreen and 12-speaker JBL audio system provided satisfactory performance.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, offering advanced driver aids like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety features, making it a reliable choice for families.