Skip to main content

If you’re drawn to the Toyota brand and want a spacious and family-friendly vehicle, then you might want to consider either the Highlander or Sienna. The Highlander is a three-row SUV, and the Sienna is a minivan. See how the two family-friendly models stack up in this 2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Sienna head-to-head comparison.

2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Sienna: What are the differences?

Celestial Silver Metallic 2022 Toyota Highlander parked next to a marsh
Celestial Silver Metallic 2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

For our 2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Sienna comparison, we evaluate several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Highlander vs. Sienna: Performance and efficiency

Predawn Gray Mica 2022 Toyota Sienna parked on a dirt road
Predawn Gray Mica 2022 Toyota Sienna | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offers two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 hp) and a hybrid (243 hp). In comparison, all 2022 Toyota Sienna models come equipped with a 245-hp hybrid powertrain.

On the efficiency front, the gas-powered Highlander has a fuel economy of up to 21 city/29 highway mpg, and the Highlander Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 36 city/35 highway mpg. In comparison, Sienna has a fuel efficiency of up to 36 city/36 highway mpg.

Highlander vs. Sienna: Off-road capabilities and towing

While both Toyota models offer an available all-wheel drive system, the Highlander is better for off-road excursions. This is because it has a considerably higher ground clearance than the Sienna (8.0 vs. 6.4 inches).

For towing, the gas-powered Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and the Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds. In comparison, the Sienna has a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

Highlander vs. Sienna: Passenger and cargo space (Which one is bigger?)

Which Toyota model is bigger: the 2022 Highlander or 2022 Sienna? Both models provide a standard eight-passenger seating capacity, with the option for seven-passenger seating with captain’s chairs for the second row. However, the Sienna offers more passenger space, with a total passenger volume of 162.5 cu-ft, compared to 141.3 cu-ft for the Highlander.

The Sienna also has the advantage for cargo space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 101.0 cu-ft, compared to 84.3 cu-ft for the Highlander.

Highlander vs. Sienna: Safety

On the safety front, both the Highlander and Sienna are excellent choices. Both Toyota models earned the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

Highlander vs. Sienna: Interior features and technologies

The Highlander and Sienna offer a similar roster of interior features and technologies. This includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a sunroof/moonroof, and woodgrain interior trim. However, unlike the Highlander, the Sienna offers a rear entertainment system.

Highlander vs. Sienna: Warranty coverage and reliability

Both the Highlander and Sienna have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. They also have a no-cost maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance plan, with two years and 25,000 miles of coverage.

For reliability, the Highlander has the advantage. It earned an 82/100 J.D. Power reliability rating, compared to 74/100 for the Sienna. 

Highlander vs. Sienna: Price

Which Toyota model costs more: the 2022 Highlander or the 2022 Sienna? The starting price of the 2022 Highlander ranges from $35,205 MSRP for the L trim up to $47,560 MSRP for the Platinum trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Sienna ranges from $34,710 MSRP for the LE trim up to $50,150 MSRP for the Platinum trim.

2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Sienna: Which one is better?

As you can see in our 2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Sienna comparison, each Toyota model has different advantages. For the 2022 Highlander, advantages include gas-engine performance, off-road capabilities, gas-engine towing, and reliability. Advantages for the 2022 Sienna include hybrid performance, efficiency, passenger and cargo space, and a rear entertainment system.

Related

Self-Driving Toyota Sienna Taxi: Coming Soon to a Street Near You?