2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline-powered counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, it featured the same 19-inch alloy wheels and interior layout, including the dash and multi-function center console. The hybrid model was nearly indistinguishable from the gasoline version, with subtle differences like blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badges, and a hidden exhaust in the rear lower bumper. EX models and above also came with LED fog lights, a feature not available on the gas versions. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed to adjust brake regeneration. The instrument panel displayed new information reflecting the vehicle's driving modes: Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes (ranging from 17 to 20 inches) added to its assertive stance. The rear featured a large window, maintaining a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines and a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console housed the gear selector, cup holders, 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 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. It combined a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system used four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead of a conventional transmission. The CR-V Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. In comparison, the gasoline model offered 27/32/29 mpg. However, the CR-V Hybrid ranked third among its competitors, with the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offering better fuel economy. During a test drive in Tucson, Arizona, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg in city driving. The hybrid system's on-demand torque made it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model, although the EV mode was limited to short distances.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna Hybrid used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which provided smooth power delivery but lacked throttle response. The Sienna Hybrid offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The Sienna Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city, 36 highway, and 36 combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity due to the battery pack located beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Although this was a drop from the non-hybrid's 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet, it still provided more volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered slightly more space with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The CR-V Hybrid featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading and maintained passenger comfort with more overall space than its direct competitors. The configurable center console bin was a practical feature, although the armrest's adjustability was too loose.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid 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 had ample storage cubbies and cupholders, with a total of 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option). The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside 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 sliding second row allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Sienna's 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated and responded to kick motions for easy access.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single 1.0-amp USB connector in the front console. Higher trim levels offered more tech features, with the EX trim adding a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, a 180-watt stereo, and additional USB ports. The top-of-the-line Touring trim included navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the infotainment system had some drawbacks, such as the lack of haptic feedback and overly complicated procedures for adjusting settings.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid packed a wealth of standard and available technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard across all grades, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. The Sienna also 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 trim levels included Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet, and advanced audio systems. The rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver benefited from a color multi-information display, with higher trims offering a 10-inch color Head-Up Display and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured 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, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was also standard. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard, with an inflator kit included. The 2021 Sienna's crash-test ratings were not yet available, but the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.