2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna offered a stylish alternative with features like 20-inch wheels on the XSE trim and a variety of trims, including the 25th Anniversary Special Edition. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, making it a comfortable choice for families. It provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a muscular stance. The CR-V retained its classic D-pillar taillights but with a modern twist, featuring three L shapes for a more aggressive look. The interior followed Honda's premium trend, with high-quality materials and a honeycomb grille design. The Hybrid Touring trim added sporty elements like black roof rails and 19-inch wheels, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering 245 net system horsepower. While this setup provided decent performance, it fell short compared to competitors, with lacklustre acceleration and a CVT that struggled at higher revs. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a surprisingly fun driving experience for a minivan. Various drive modes were available, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with improved responsiveness and a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The CR-V Hybrid featured a CVT and four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The updated AWD system and hill-descent control enhanced its versatility, while the "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking and improved fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a large open cubby, a long dash shelf, and numerous cupholders. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats folded. However, the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo space. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added comfort.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, providing 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. It featured wide-opening rear doors and an improved LATCH system for easy car seat installation. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V's interior included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a traditional console design for best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna lagged in technology, using an older infotainment interface with standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but requiring wired connections. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, though not cutting-edge, and the JBL audio system provided good sound quality. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a more modern tech experience, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and a 9-inch option for higher trims. It included physical buttons for essential functions and a comprehensive suite of features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Hybrid Touring trim also featured Honda's smart navigation system for optimized fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. While lacking some gimmicky features, it provided robust safety for families.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, featuring improved collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist systems. New additions included traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with structural enhancements for added protection.