2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design. Its exterior, from the grille to its elongated profile, closely resembled the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model was well-equipped with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, among other features. The XLE and Limited trims added more luxurious touches like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, embraced a more SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan functionality. It featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The Sienna could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, showcasing its practicality. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza's handling was confident, typical of Toyota's reputation, and it excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT offered smooth power delivery, and its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. The Sienna's hybrid battery pack came with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design, distinct from both Lexus and Toyota models. The centre stack featured premium appointments, including piano black capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The deep centre console housed various controls and storage options. The Venza provided comfortable seating for five, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity, though it was sufficient for daily use.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the second and third rows folded. It also had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited trims boasted a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XLE and Limited trims included a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, with dynamic navigation available on models with the larger screen.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, wireless connectivity for these features was absent. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Audio systems varied by trim, from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with similar safety technologies. It included 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. The Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard.