2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its assertive stance. The rear design, featuring a large window, managed to maintain a wide and low profile. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls conveniently clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console was well-designed, featuring a gear selector lever, multiple cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, boasted excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was the deeply scalloped body side that bulged to form the rear fender, giving it an organic and powerful look. The tailgate was eye-catching with a stripe of LED lighting, and the prominent nose added to its unique design. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash took advantage of a steep windshield, and the placement of the touchscreen display was just right. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats could easily accommodate three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim level.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combined to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy numbers: 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza balanced electric and gas drive for optimum efficiency and performance, with drivers able to select among Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, and the main charge came from the motor-generator driven by the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, feeling maneuverable thanks to its shared wheelbase with the Camry. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Venza delivered a comfortable and predictable ride, making it an ideal midsize family hauler.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, responding to kick motions for easy access.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, adequate for three adults. The cabin featured numerous convenience features, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacting cargo capacity. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota added sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout the cabin, making the Venza a quiet and serene vehicle on the road.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed a ton of standard and available technology features, including a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and surround sound. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, with an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim models, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier. Toyota Connected Services were standard, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A digital rearview mirror was also available, providing a clear view even when the rear window was obstructed.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System was also standard, featuring enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, daytime bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and hill-start assist were standard, with front and rear parking assist available on higher trims. The 2022 Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.