2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, with its conventional crossover design, did not stand out in a crowded market. Its styling was similar to many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from a unique grille and some chromed plastic accents. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find more vibrant hues like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale materials in higher trims, but competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson provided more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like elements. Its assertive profile and cleverly concealed sliding door channels gave it a modern appearance. The interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs. The Sienna's spacious cabin and flexible cargo configurations made it a versatile choice for families, offering a comfortable and functional environment for passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was smooth and steady, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience but lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing with its hybrid powertrain, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. The hybrid system offered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, and selectable drive modes enhanced the driving experience. Its handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to the TNGA platform's suspension design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options, enhancing convenience for loading and unloading. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding versatility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row allowed for flexible cargo configurations, with 949 litres of space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for accessing the spacious interior.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims boasted a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System were available on select trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included a suite of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, standard across all trims. The only exception was blind spot monitoring, which was available from the Sport trim upwards.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. Its Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring and a tire-pressure monitoring system.