We just started our week with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and it reminds us of the Toyota Sienna. After a three-hour drive, the Highlander feels like the Sienna, so this raised a few questions. For example, how much do the 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Toyota Sienna have in common?

2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Sienna 

Our start with the Toyota Highlander puts the Toyota Sienna on our minds. The Highlander looks like a Sienna had a baby with a Subaru Ascent, and all of these family vehicles have three rows. 

But the Highlander also has similar sidelines and a similar hood shape to the Sienna. Also, they both are available with all-wheel drive and have hybrid powertrains. After driving the Highlander for a little longer, we will determine which one is better. 

Let’s start with pricing. The 2023 Toyota Sienna, which is a hybrid starts at $35,385. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid kicks things off at $40,200. The Highlander with the standard 2.4-liter engine begins at about $36,420. 

Does the Sienna or Highlander have a better performance? 

The 2022 Toyota Sienna has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors to churn out 245 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. 

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also uses a 2.5-liter engine and two electric motors to provide 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. But according to Edmunds, it takes about 8.2 seconds. It didn’t feel that slow to us. 

When properly equipped, the Sienna can tow up to 3,500 lb, and the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lb. The Highlander rides on a modified version of the Toyota Camry platform, and the Sienna rides on the TNGA-K platform. 

The Sienna gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway. We averaged about 32.7 mpg during our week. 

With the Highlander Hybrid, you get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. During our three-hour trip, we got about 30.7 mpg but spent most of our time in Sport Mode. Eco Mode may have helped. 

So far, the Highlander seems a bit heavier and a little sportier. It has a smooth ride, plenty of grip, and a fairly quiet interior. Sometimes the engine emits a deep, low growl. 

The Sienna has more noise in the interior at highway speeds and a little more body roll. It doesn’t feel as agile as the Highlander, but the ride is smoother. 

Does the Sienna or Highlander have better features? 

Both the 2022 Toyota Sienna and 2022 Toyota Highlander are available with captain’s chairs in the second row. The Sienna has more space for personal items in the front. The center console is much deeper. 

You can access up to 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of the Highlander and up to 84.3 cubes total. The Sienna has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear, with up to 101.3 cubes overall. The larger Sienna has more passenger space too. 

Both options have similar tech, such as an available wireless phone charging pad, a JBL premium audio system, and a head-up display. So far, the tech in the Sienna feels a bit more advanced. 

So, the Sienna is a little larger with more space, and the Highlander can tow more. The Highlander is more nimble as well, but the Sienna is more comfortable. Stay tuned for our Highlander review. We have more to learn.