2024 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant shift in design for the model, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance compared to its predecessors. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance that was visually evident. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to feature three L shapes, contributing to a modern and aggressive look. The rear end appeared blockier, complementing the bold front fascia, and all lighting was upgraded to LED. The Hybrid Touring trim, tested in Canyon River Blue, featured sport enhancements like black roof rails and mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design cues of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel achieved through high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, offered a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and a range of cool colours. The XSE trim, tested, featured a sporty black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Sienna came standard with cloth seats and three-zone climate control, with the XSE trim offering leatherette-trimmed sport seats and a heated, leather-trimmed power steering wheel. The interior design emphasized spaciousness with horizontal lines and a fixed centre console with satin accents. While not luxurious, the Sienna's interior was practical for families, with powered side doors and sliding second-row captain’s chairs, although the latter could not be removed, limiting cargo space.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain choice, featuring a hybrid system that combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid system was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered four drive modes: Sport, Normal, Econ, and Snow. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and the CR-V Hybrid was rated for towing up to 450 kg. A new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 245 horsepower. AWD models had an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, the Sienna's performance was not particularly exciting, with sluggish acceleration and a loud CVT. It offered a smooth but slow ride, especially when merging or climbing hills. The Sienna featured Normal, Eco, and EV modes, with the latter suitable for low-speed areas. The brakes were somewhat grabby, but steering was light and accurate, with excellent visibility. While adequate for city driving, those seeking more driving pleasure might consider alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. This was slightly less than the gas-only CR-V but comparable to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior offered eight cupholders and a cubby for two smartphones, with a traditional console design providing best-in-class storage.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space, with a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs could slide 63.5 cm, offering up to 101.5 cm of legroom, though the slide function was complex, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible for adults and offered 99 cm of legroom when the second row was pushed forward. The Sienna featured tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed and 2,860 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and seats. The Touring trim added a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda’s smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained older infotainment technology with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included physical buttons for common menus but had a grainy backup camera. The Sienna offered SiriusXM radio, a 12-speaker JBL stereo, and an available rear-camera mirror. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available. However, the outlets required activation via a button near the driver’s seat.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. The Honda Sensing suite included improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also had a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic monitor, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. It received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Sienna had numerous airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows, and reminders for rear passengers and cargo. It received four stars from the NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.