2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders maintained the classic Jeep look, while new colour options like "Reign" purple and "Earl" grey added a modern twist. Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design, eschewing luxury features for a more utilitarian approach.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a sleek and stylish appearance, with its distinctive front and rear fascias and a range of vibrant colour options. The Sienna's design was both family-friendly and modern, featuring standard LED lighting and, in higher trims, Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim added sporty elements like a black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels. Inside, the Sienna prioritized comfort and convenience, with features like three-zone climate control, leatherette-trimmed sport seats, and a spacious interior layout that accommodated up to eight passengers. The fixed centre console and satin accents added a touch of sophistication to the minivan's practical design.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, offering a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid combined two electric motors with a 17.3-kWh battery pack, offering 35 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its impressive off-road capabilities, the Wrangler 392's on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was a hybrid minivan with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Sienna offered a smooth and efficient ride, particularly in urban settings. The sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode provided some enhancement, but the minivan's acceleration remained modest. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smooth but somewhat noisy driving experience. The Sienna excelled in city driving, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility, though its brakes could be a bit grabby. For those seeking more driving excitement, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival offered stronger V6 engines.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior was functional but limited in space. The front seats were comfortable, with heated options available in higher trims or through a cold-weather package. The rear seat was a tight fit for three passengers, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage options were minimal, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space was limited to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, and the hard and soft tops offered various open-air configurations. The Sky One-Touch power soft top provided a convenient option for quick open-air access. The Wrangler featured ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and functionality, with a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items and multiple cupholders throughout the cabin. The second-row captain's chairs offered 63.5 centimetres of sliding range, providing up to 101.5 centimetres of legroom. However, the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space. The third row was accessible and offered ample legroom, with the second row pushed forward. The Sienna's tri-zone climate control and additional zone for the front passenger ensured comfort for all occupants. The rear liftgate revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,860 litres with the third row stowed and the second row folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, while our tester had an 8.4-inch version. The system, though initially complex, offered comprehensive off-road information and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, however, was equipped with Toyota's older infotainment system, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system included physical buttons for common functions, the backup camera's grainy display was a drawback. The Sienna offered a 7-inch digital display in the gauge cluster and available features like SiriusXM satellite radio and a 12-speaker JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available for the second row and rear cargo area.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with standard components like a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims' headlights receiving a Poor ranking.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, though lane-keeping assist exhibited some side-to-side movement. The minivan received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with top scores in crashworthiness and seat belt and child restraint systems.