2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. Toyota's designers worked within the genre's constraints to give the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance. The wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays contributed to a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes added to its assertive stance. The rear design, featuring a large window, managed to maintain a wide and low profile. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console was practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, focused on functionality over form. The exterior, with its suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, gave it a rugged look, though not necessarily an attractive one. Inside, the Forester emphasized practicality with hard plastic and soft surfaces that exuded quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens could be less than ideal. The Wilderness trim included copper-colored stitching and accents, adding a touch of style to the otherwise functional interior. The Forester's driving dynamics were pleasing, with a well-made feel and improved front styling in most trim levels. However, the Wilderness's cladding and matte-black hood decal were not immediately appealing.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combined to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy numbers, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This CVT also doubled the Forester Wilderness's towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness achieved an average fuel economy of 25.9 mpg during testing. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, and the Wilderness trim included SI-Drive for a more lively response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system was standard on most Forester versions, offering improved speed management during hill descents. The Wilderness trim also featured a re-tuned suspension with longer springs and shocks, raising the ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, including off-road conditions, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, making it easy to access the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubby space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, responding to kick motions for easy access.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels in both front and back seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded down. The Wilderness trim included a full-size spare under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen standard in all grades, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and surround sound. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services in base trim. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been useful. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry after outdoor activities.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, and similar ratings were expected for the 2021 model.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The 2022 Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.