2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, which debuted in 1998, evolved over the years, with the fourth generation launching in 2021. It embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and an assertive profile with standard 17-inch wheels, which could be upgraded to 18 or 20 inches on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and cleverly designed interior, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a standard third-row bench that folded into the floor.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced in 2021, was built on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. It had a sleek and modern design, with a distinctive scalloped body side and LED lighting on the tailgate. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats provided ample space for three adults. The Venza's interior was both elegant and functional, with features like an overhead console, power-adjustable seats, and a spacious glove compartment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD system used an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's CVT provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to the TNGA platform's suspension setup. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models were slightly less efficient. The hybrid battery was strategically placed under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Venza also featured a hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The Venza's AWD system used electric motors at the rear axle, providing a balanced performance. It offered multiple drive modes, including an electric-only mode for short distances. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, enhancing efficiency. The Venza delivered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Venza provided a comfortable ride for families.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was a versatile family vehicle, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with cargo capacities of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also had a towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms. The third-row bench folded into the floor, and the power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience features, including power-adjustable seats, an electric parking brake, and sliding sun visors. The cabin had four cupholders and bottle holders, ensuring passengers stayed hydrated. The Venza's lithium-ion battery was located under the second-row seats, minimizing its impact on cargo space. It offered 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota prioritized cabin quietness, using sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. The Sienna's audio system varied by trim, with a 12-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was also an option, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna offered a digital rearview mirror on select trims, enhancing visibility when the cabin was full.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it convenient for those without access to charging infrastructure. It offered a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims added features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The Venza's multimedia systems included Toyota Connected Services, providing various telematics features. The Limited trim offered additional conveniences like rain-sensing wipers and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also had 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard, with an optional spare tire for added safety.

The 2022 Toyota Venza also received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included the Toyota Star Safety System, with features like stability control and anti-lock brakes. The Venza had eight airbags and LATCH anchors for child seats. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering driver aids like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added parking assist and a surround-view camera for enhanced safety.