2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that radiated sophistication and grace, thanks to its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring just under 5 metres in length, it presented a stately presence on the road. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were impressive, but the Prestige trim tester took it up a notch with 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design. The matte Brunswick Green paint job added an elegant touch to the exterior. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the dash, which was split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, although slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, aimed to shed its traditional minivan image with a front-end design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. While most trims featured 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, the FWD XSE trim level boasted 20-inch wheels. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and upper-class Limited trims, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim adding a touch of exclusivity. The interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with a Platinum trim model showcasing high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three-across car seats in the middle row. The minivan's larger cargo capacity, easy access, and creative interior features made it a smart choice for families, despite its less powerful engine compared to competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled at highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable highway commute. However, its acceleration to 100 km/h in about five and a half seconds was slower than some competitors, and its handling felt less precise compared to German rivals.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, two front-mounted electric motors, and a third rear-mounted electric motor for AWD trims, resulting in a combined output of 245 horsepower. While the Sienna's powertrain specs were less impressive than competitors, its chassis and steering were commendable. The minivan was easy to drive around town and cruised comfortably on the highway. The Sienna's light steering feel and tidy turning radius made it surprisingly nimble for its size. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and lackluster acceleration left something to be desired. The Sienna offered several drive modes, but the EV mode was largely ineffective, and Sport mode didn't significantly enhance the driving experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester model featured ventilated front and rear seats with adjustable settings, along with an Ergo driver's seat designed to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and the interior boasted a standard tri-zone climate control system and an available 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded down. It also had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, nooks, and bins. The open cubby below the centre console provided space for a large bag or purse, while a long shelf extended across the dash, equipped with a wireless charging pad in higher trims. The Sienna featured a big bin in the centre console and multiple cupholders. It offered three-zone climate control as standard, with four-zone climate control available on higher grades. The Sienna's minivan platform made excellent use of space, providing 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the seat folded. Total cargo space reached 2,860 litres, although the middle row couldn't be fully removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on certain trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, while ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats were included on higher grades.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the standard head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, and the dial control was cumbersome. Despite the learning curve, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, although not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight parking spaces without the driver inside, adding a cool factor to the technology.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, relied on Toyota's older infotainment interface. It included core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional navigation system. The interface, while functional, felt outdated and clunky. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, and accessing Android Auto involved navigating through the menu. Despite these quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable. The 9-inch touchscreen didn't appear undersized, and the 12-speaker JBL premium audio system delivered good sound quality. In Canada, this audio system was standard on Limited and available on the Sienna XSE AWD.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver's aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior ratings in front crash prevention.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features were part of the Toyota Safety Sense package, crucial for a family vehicle. The Sienna received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors like Honda and Chrysler also earned Top Safety Pick+ awards, Toyota focused on essential safety features without gimmicks like intercom systems or rear-seat cameras.