2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile featured an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors that boasted a sculpted redesign. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, providing ample storage and convenience features, while the second and third-row seats offered flexibility and comfort for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, built on a new platform, presented a modern and stylish exterior with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED lighting elements. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a floating roof effect. The rear showcased distinctive LED taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim, and offered premium features like gloss black pillars and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, with stain-resistant cloth seats and available leather-trimmed options. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a spacious feel, making it competitive with other compact SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, 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 an all-wheel drive option, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed 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 Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and electric motor, delivering 226 horsepower. The hybrid variant provided a more engaging driving experience, with AWD standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models. The Tucson's hybrid powertrain was notably more fuel-efficient, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway. A plug-in hybrid version was also in the works, promising even more power and efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding range, enhancing accessibility and legroom. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,860 litres with the first row folded. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a compact SUV, provided a spacious interior with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat and available eight-way options. Heated and ventilated seats, along with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, enhanced comfort. The Tucson's platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo capacity. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor, making it versatile for family use.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on select trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with upgrades available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The centre console's touchpoints were responsive, though some drivers found them challenging to use without taking their eyes off the road. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were essential for ease of use.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also featured the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, with standard features like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai provided a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for the Tucson.