2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Toyota Sienna possessed a unique position in the minivan market amidst a landscape increasingly dominated by SUVs. Toyota steadfastly supported the minivan concept, even as other major manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen withdrew from the market. Toyota's lineage of family-friendly vans began in the 1980s and solidified with the introduction of the Toyota Sienna in 1998. Up to its 2022 model, the Sienna adhered to its roots while embracing modern SUV styling cues. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, sported a macho front end and intricately designed rear doors. Engineers cleverly concealed the sliding door tracks to enhance its sleeker look. With standard 17-inch wheels on base trims and options for 18-inch or 20-inch wheels on higher trims, the Sienna managed to balance practical minivan functionality with an assertive aesthetic.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, meanwhile, showcased a renewed design ethos, aligning it more closely with a rugged SUV aura. The redesign made the Pilot 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These dimensional increases corresponded with features particularly beneficial for the off-road-focused TrailSport model, including unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The overall styling shift provided the Pilot a more substantial presence on the road. The interior design followed a more traditional styling approach, prioritizing functionality and versatility. Material quality met the elevated standards expected in its class, further solidifying the Pilot's appeal for families seeking both utility and a rugged, upscale look.

For the 2022 Toyota Sienna, performance was anchored by an exclusive hybrid powertrain introduced in the 2021 model. This hybrid system, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generated a total of 243 horsepower. Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) could be upgraded to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that added a separate 54-hp electric motor driving the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which offered four selectable driving modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's platform provided impressive handling for a minivan, thanks to its well-engineered suspension systems, and it delivered a smooth highway ride. An essential highlight was its fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for both city and highway in FWD models, and slightly lower for the AWD at 35 mpg for both city and highway driving.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot featured an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, standard in front-wheel drive with optional AWD. The AWD became standard in the Elite and TrailSport trims, enhancing the vehicle's traction and stability. The Pilot offered brisk acceleration with minimal delay and maintained a comfortable and composed demeanor on the road, albeit with notable body roll in corners. The brake pedal provided a soft but easily modulated response, appropriate for a family SUV. For those seeking off-road capability, the TrailSport trim increased ground clearance by an inch and included all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road focus, the Pilot maintained remarkable on-road comfort and composure, making it a versatile family SUV for both urban and adventurous terrains.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to maximize family utility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second-row seat added flexibility for loading various types of cargo, whether behind or in front of the second row. Cargo space measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a substantial 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The third-row 60/40-split bench seat easily stowed into the floor and provided generous storage compartments and cupholders.

The 2023 Honda Pilot offered a more traditional SUV interior with practical features. The entry-level models came with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot's stowable second-row center seat was particularly notable, as it allowed for a center pass-through when removed. This feature was advantageous for third-row access, especially with child seats installed. The third row, although less spacious than the second row, was sufficient for average-sized adults on short trips. Cargo space measured 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet behind the second row when folded flat, and reaching a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet, significantly more than the Kia Telluride's 87 cubic feet. The Pilot also offered under-floor storage options, increasing its practical utility.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came well-equipped with a vast array of standard and optional technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen was standard across all trims and included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with SiriusXM, USB ports, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. Higher trims offered a more refined multimedia experience with features like Qi wireless phone charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a robust JBL audio system. The available rear-seat entertainment system included an 11.6-inch display and wireless headphones. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, and a head-up display in the Platinum trim, enhancing its convenience and technology suite for drivers.

The 2023 Honda Pilot similarly provided impressive technological features, particularly in higher trims. Starting at the EX-L trim, the Pilot included a larger infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charging pad, and USB ports in every row. The Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. Features like the Honda CabinTalk PA system, a navigation system, and Bose premium audio were available in the Touring and Elite trims. The multi-view TrailWatch camera system, standard in the TrailSport and Elite trims, catered to off-road enthusiasts, providing exceptional visibility of surroundings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The comprehensive Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and multiple LATCH seat connectors, enhancing child safety.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equally robust in safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and expected high ratings from NHTSA. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims provided additional safety enhancements such as low-speed automatic braking, parking sensors, and surround-view camera systems. The Pilot’s advanced safety systems functioned flawlessly during testing, demonstrating Honda’s commitment to driver and passenger safety.