2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 underwent a significant redesign in 2019, veering away from its traditionally softer lines to adopt a bolder, more angular appearance. This change gave it a rugged look more akin to its durable reputation. The Adventure trim from the previous year improved its off-road prowess with features like torque-vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD), multiple traction control modes, and downhill assist control. For 2020, the brand-new TRD Off-Road trim elevated these capabilities to another level with smaller and lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road, distinguished by its wheels, tires, and badges, offered enhanced durability and style, particularly with the Lunar Rock gray paint option that concealed dirt exceptionally well.

Inside, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos on the headrests, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, designed for harsher conditions. The interior demonstrated quality construction with a plush center armrest, soft-touch door panel trim, and contrasting rubberized surfaces against cheaper-looking plastic. This trim level sat near the top of the gas-powered RAV4 lineup, which began with the LE and topped out with the Limited. Pricing for the TRD Off-Road was at the higher end, particularly with the test vehicle tallying an unusual $42,902, including various factory options and dealer-installed accessories.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to revolutionize minivan design. With an SUV-like exterior, the Sienna sported a wide grille and sleek horizontally arranged LED headlamps integrated into a panel featuring a prominent Toyota logo. From the side, it exhibited an assertive stance with sculpted sliding side doors and a body line that bulged over the rear wheels, requiring innovative hinge and slide rethinking. The Sienna offered various alloy wheel sizes ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch, depending on the trim level. The rear of the vehicle maintained a low and wide appearance despite its large rear window. Fit and finish were on par with Toyota’s high standards.

The interior focused on horizontal lines to emphasize width, offering a higher seating position compared to sedans without quite achieving full-size SUV command seating. The dashboard was simplistic, with most controls clustered around the center stack below the infotainment screen. The center console acted as a bridge, providing ample storage, including a large compartment under the armrest and a clever tray for handbags. The steering wheel was leather-wrapped, and the materials throughout the Sienna had a premium feel. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating, with the second row sliding significantly to configure the space for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While it also offered a Hybrid model producing 219 horsepower with up to 40 mpg in combined driving, the Hybrid configuration wasn’t available for the TRD Off-Road trim. The test vehicle's non-hybrid powertrain provided commendable performance, especially in Sport mode, although a turbocharged engine would have fared better at higher altitudes. The 8-speed automatic transmission mostly worked well, though occasionally it hesitated in gear selection.

The RAV4 TRD Off-Road went beyond the standard model with its torque-vectoring AWD system, multiple terrain-specific settings, and an 8.6-inch ground clearance, making it well-suited for varied driving conditions. The vehicle excelled on untamed trails and performed well in urban settings where it handled deteriorating infrastructure effectively. Despite averaging only 23.4 mpg in real-world driving, falling short of the EPA’s 27 mpg estimate, the RAV4 provided a well-rounded driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid introduced a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. With FWD standard and AWD available across all trim levels, the Sienna used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the AWD mechanism. The hybrid powertrain, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivered power smoothly, albeit with less throttle responsiveness. Although the CVT’s droning nature might not appeal to some, it significantly improved fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

Handling was notably better than its predecessor, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, reducing body roll and ensuring a comfortable long-distance ride. Despite the tradeoff in driving excitement, the Sienna Hybrid was a fuel-efficient and family-oriented choice.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered an inviting interior, with perfect hip points easing entry and exit. The driver’s seat provided an 8-way adjustability, while the front passenger’s seat, despite lacking a height adjuster, offered adequate support. SofTex upholstery, common in TRD Off-Road, had its drawbacks, especially on hot days, making the Weather Package a worthy option for its heated and ventilated seats and heated steering wheel. Rear seats provided ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports, ensuring passenger comfort.

Interior storage in the RAV4 was generous, highlighted by a dashboard-wide shelf. Cargo space behind the rear seat totaled 37.6 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The robust roof rack with crossbars added to the vehicle’s utility, and the optional hands-free power liftgate boosted convenience.

For the 2021 Toyota Sienna, minivan convenience was paramount. It featured a third-row 60/40-split bench that folded easily into the floor, and the second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access. Each seating row provided storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders on all four side doors, totaling 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option). The Sienna’s cargo capabilities were impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Nominal cargo capacity measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The second-row slides allowed flexible cargo management. The hybrid system's battery was unobtrusively placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space and including a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. Power-operated sliding doors and the tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family convenience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4’s tech features provided utility and ease of use. Depending on the trim, the infotainment system featured a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, which suffered from glare but was otherwise commendable. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, multiple connected services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot with a 3-month trial or 2GB of data. The test vehicle’s TRD Off-Road trim had an 8-inch display with flanking menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls for ease of use. Upgrades included embedded navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, accurately responding to commands and efficiently plotting routes. Additional options included wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed an extensive array of tech features, beginning with a standard nine-inch touchscreen across all grades, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It included 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 (up to 2GB). Standard Bluetooth was available, with wireless charging standard on upper trims and optional on others. The Sienna’s audio and multimedia systems progressed from a six-speaker stereo on lower trims to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and surround sound on higher trims. The rear-seat entertainment system included an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver’s tech featured a color multi-information display (varying in size by trim level), a 10-inch Head-Up Display on Platinum models, and optional digital rearview mirrors. Remote keyless entry, upgraded to Smart Key System on higher trims, added to the convenience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering advanced driving assist features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, front and rear parking assist with automated braking, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems operated smoothly and encouraged usage. A free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services included automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and enhanced roadside assistance. The RAV4 had a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, limited to models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid also included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with 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, standard across all trims. The Star Safety System added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna carried 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a standard rear-seat reminder system. A standard tire pressure monitoring system and optional spare tire improved safety and convenience. The spare tire's relocation to the cargo space wall from underneath made roadside changes safer. While 2021 safety ratings were pending, the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.