2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Subaru Forester

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 its sleek front-end styling and a variety of trim levels, including the new 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 and attractive choice for families. With seating for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna provided ample space and flexibility, especially with its middle-row bench seat that could accommodate three car seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its functional design, prioritizing simplicity and practicality over flashy aesthetics. The Forester's exterior, with its boxy shape and flared fenders, was reminiscent of previous models, but the Premier trim added a touch of elegance with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome trim. Inside, the Forester offered a straightforward and user-friendly layout, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats available in higher trims. The Forester's interior was designed for practicality, with excellent visibility and easy entry and exit, making it a reliable choice for those who value function over form.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup provided decent fuel efficiency, it lacked the power needed for the Sienna's size, resulting in lacklustre acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a less-than-ideal driving experience, with a tendency to climb the rev band noisily. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a surprisingly fun driving experience for a minivan. The light steering made city driving a breeze, and various drive modes allowed for some customization, though the Sport mode was not particularly engaging.

The 2023 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Forester's powertrain was adequate, though not particularly exciting, and the engine noise was more pronounced than in some competitors. However, the Forester excelled in driving dynamics, with a comfortable yet communicative ride and responsive handling. The SUV's light and accurate steering, effective brakes, and excellent suspension tuning made it a pleasure to drive, even on challenging terrain. The Forester's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like X-Mode and all-terrain tires in the Wilderness trim, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins throughout the cabin. The minivan's three-zone climate control and optional four-zone system ensured comfort for all passengers. With a length of 5,175 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,061 millimetres, the Sienna offered generous cargo space, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with seats folded. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to some competitors. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with features like extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added comfort.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat available in higher trims. The Forester's interior offered excellent visibility and easy access, with well-sealed doors and ample storage options. The cargo area was usefully shaped, with 762 litres of space behind the back seat and up to 1,957 litres with seats folded. While the Forester's back seats lacked some comfort, the overall design was functional and user-friendly, making it a reliable choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the interface was reliable, it felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The Sienna's technology package included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system in higher trims, providing good sound quality despite the system's quirks.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Base trim, with an 8-inch display available in higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player, with a Harman Kardon premium audio system available. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was less effective, making smartphone integration a more reliable option for navigation and entertainment.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. The Forester included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims. The Limited and Premier trims offered a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, though it fell short in some new safety tests.