2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's 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 and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, cupholders, and a bridge-like structure connecting the dash to the storage compartment. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued its evolution from a "cute ute" to a mature crossover SUV, maintaining its popularity in the market. The exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the body-side bends. The RAV4's expressive headlights and grille created a playful yet aggressive face, with Toyota's quality fit and finish enhancing the overall exterior. Inside, the RAV4 offered a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal distraction, and the interior design included a circuit-board-inspired pattern that tied various cabin elements together. The RAV4's interior was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful storage solutions and a focus on driver convenience.

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 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 city and 6.5 highway, and AWD models at 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both FWD and AWD options. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 combined horsepower and excellent fuel economy. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the most powerful, with 302 horsepower and the ability to run up to 68 km on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was enhanced with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring in AWD models, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

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 slid up to 63.5 cm, offering flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all doors. 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, 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 RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered substantial cargo space, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the second row folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated for various towing weights. Inside, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four, with ample legroom and storage options. The front seats featured dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel in higher trims, while cupholders and storage compartments were strategically placed throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered additional features like Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror in higher trims.

The 2022 RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard smartphone integration and SiriusXM. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Upper trims also offered a bird’s-eye view camera system and a digital rear-view mirror.

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

The 2022 RAV4 included the Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. It offered Safety Connect with emergency assistance and eight airbags. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid a five-star rating.