2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota's effort to modernize the Sienna was evident in its front-end styling and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Limited, with a special 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim introduced for 2023. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents found in the Platinum trim. The minivan provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the latter configuration allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with a few updates, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights for the Wilderness trim. The Outback's exterior featured a tasteful mix of black and chrome fittings, with the Premier XT trim showcasing the most chrome. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels. Inside, the Outback surprised with its upscale feel, particularly in the Premier XT trim, which boasted Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, catering to different preferences. The interior space was generous, with ample headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable choice for both driver and passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 245 net system horsepower. While this setup was efficient, it lacked the punch of some competitors, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) struggled with the Sienna's size and weight. Despite this, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a pleasant driving experience. The Sienna featured multiple drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback offered a choice between a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower. The turbo engine, standard on the Wilderness trim, provided a better match for the Outback's weight, enhancing its performance. The CVT in the Outback mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission, adding to the driving experience. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance made it a capable off-road vehicle, with the Wilderness trim offering additional features like all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for challenging conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with clever solutions like a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dashboard. The Sienna's spaciousness was a highlight, with 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with seats folded. However, the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to some rivals. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering features like extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleeker design, offered impressive interior space, particularly in headroom and legroom. The cargo area provided 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature set included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, with higher trims offering additional amenities like a power moonroof and ventilated front seats. The hands-free power liftgate and versatile roof rails added to the Outback's practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. While the interface was reliable, it felt outdated and lacked some modern conveniences.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a more advanced technology package, with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the Touring trim. The Subaru Starlink platform, though dated in appearance, provided essential connectivity features. The Outback's climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some physical buttons for convenience. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on most trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive safety suite, 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, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2024 Subaru Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. The Outback's safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. New for 2024 was reverse automatic braking and a wide-angle camera for improved pedestrian detection. The Premier XT trim added a digital rearview mirror and driver-attention monitor for enhanced safety.