Toyota Sienna vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a distinctive look with sleek fascias and vibrant colour options. The XSE trim, considered sporty, included features like a black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels. The interior was practical, with a horizontal design that enhanced spaciousness. While not luxurious, it was suitable for family use, with features like a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel and leatherette-trimmed sport seats. The Sienna's design was more cohesive and user-friendly, making it a more appealing choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered standard AWD and was designed for fuel efficiency, though it fell short of its claimed 6.7 L/100 km, achieving 8.2 L/100 km during testing. The Highlander Hybrid was not built for performance, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made for a less engaging drive. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a quiet and compliant ride.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, also a hybrid, produced 245 horsepower with its 2.5-litre engine and electric motors. While it featured a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode, the Sienna was not known for its performance, feeling sluggish off the line. The CVT contributed to a smooth but slow acceleration, particularly noticeable on highways. The Sienna excelled in urban environments, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. It offered a comfortable, if unremarkable, driving experience, with a focus on practicality over excitement.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third row was best for occasional use. It featured three-zone climate control and heated seats, with power-adjustable front seats. The interior offered practical storage solutions, though some designs were unnecessarily complex. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available when the second-row seats were folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space, with a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs offered significant legroom, though they couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible and comfortable, with ample legroom when the second row was adjusted. The Sienna featured tri-zone climate control and a rear liftgate with 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and connected services, though the graphics could be improved. A JBL sound system provided decent audio quality.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained older infotainment technology, with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it lacked the newer system's speed and features, it included physical buttons for common functions. The backup camera was grainy, but the Sienna offered available SiriusXM radio and a 12-speaker JBL stereo. USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter were available, though the outlets required manual activation.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though some ADAS features struggled in certain conditions.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While most systems performed well, lane-keeping assist showed some side-to-side movement. The Sienna included numerous airbags and reminders for rear passengers. It received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its front crash prevention was rated as "Average."