2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its attempts to stay modern with a 2018 facelift, showed its age with a design that harked back to the mid-2000s. The subtle updates to the headlights and grille were overshadowed by the vehicle's large silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's massive, multi-tiered center dash and small 7-inch touchscreen felt outdated. However, the vehicle offered a spacious cabin with comfortable, supportive seats, although the front seats were somewhat bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. The Sequoia was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro, and Platinum, each offering various features and packages to enhance the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. The Sienna's design featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a sleek and assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and uncluttered cabin with ample storage options and comfortable seating for all passengers. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, providing easy access to the third row. The Sienna's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate with foot-motion triggers for hands-free access.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, although it lagged behind in fuel efficiency compared to more modern transmissions. The Sequoia's driving dynamics resembled those of a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, making it appealing to those who appreciated a rugged driving experience. However, it exhibited some body roll in corners. The Sequoia could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. The standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in the city and on the highway, while AWD models achieved 35 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to over 66 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep door pockets and a massive center console for storage.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, along with ample storage cubbies and cupholders, made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. While the system was easy to use, it felt dated compared to modern offerings. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was small but functional, providing essential information.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, including a standard 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Sienna also included telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trim levels featured advanced audio systems and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror and head-up display added convenience and safety.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some advanced technologies, it provided a comprehensive set of safety features. However, the Sequoia's older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist and traffic sign recognition. It also offered 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system for added safety.