2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota Sienna 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. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and cupholders, while the second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, embodying a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme. This design was evident in the extensive use of pixelated LED lights, creating a concept car feel. The aerodynamic alloy wheels and unique design elements added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Ioniq 5 embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The interior featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing space and flexibility. The seats were supportive and comfortable, catering to various driver sizes, while the overall design prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 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 utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base model featured a 125-kW motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 km. The Preferred long-range variant increased power to 225 hp and offered a range of 488 km. The AWD version delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5 provided a balanced driving experience, with four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced performance at the cost of range. The vehicle's single-speed transmission and adjustable regenerative braking added to its driving dynamics, while noise reduction features ensured a quiet ride.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row bench that folded into the floor and a second row that slid up to 63.5 cm for flexible legroom. The cabin offered ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, capable of carrying a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The Ioniq 5 featured a flat floor and a moveable centre console, enhancing flexibility and ease of access. The interior design focused on comfort, with supportive leatherette seats and soft touchpoints throughout, creating a relaxing environment for passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and advanced audio systems with up to 12 speakers. The Sienna also featured a rear-seat entertainment system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and entertainment for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The interior was highlighted by 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, offering clear and intuitive displays with anti-glare coating.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision systems. It included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring, with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it was noted to be somewhat distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high expectations for the Ioniq 5.