2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen, and the centre console provided ample storage and smart design features. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering sliding options for maximum utility.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70 offered six grades, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades receiving unique styling elements like a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes. The Sport grades also featured a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the 21-inch alloy wheels. Genesis offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, with more than 100 options available. The GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme, with premium materials like genuine carbon fibre inserts on the Sport trims. The interior surfaces were of high quality, with unique upholstery configurations and quilted leather seats on premium grades.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. While the CVT blunted throttle response, the Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling improved significantly with new suspension systems, and it achieved impressive fuel efficiency ratings, with FWD models using 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors, with power figures surpassing several German counterparts. The GV70 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing torque distribution. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance. The electronically controlled suspension system balanced comfort and feedback, and the GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban environments.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver, with a tall centre console separating the front seats. Intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The rear space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor, and overall ergonomics were above average.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, along with Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a colour multi-information display, with a digital rearview mirror available on higher trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on XLE and above.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering split-screen functionality. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster with Hyundai's Blind View Monitor system. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades. USB ports were available for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist and lane departure warning. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.