2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that introduced newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 Sienna still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple but easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a DVD entertainment system. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, sported a tougher, more angular look, reminiscent of the 4Runner. Its front fascia, with stacked trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, gave it a mechanical appearance. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills hinted at its off-road capabilities. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid featured 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on higher trims. LED headlights and taillights were standard, with adaptive headlights available on the top trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple and functional, with tasteful trim and comfortable fabric seats. The interior materials were nice, though not as luxurious as some competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's power was routed to the front wheels, with an AWD option available for all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to surprisingly decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted 219 horsepower, 16 more than the standard version, with a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, driving all four wheels. The first electric motor delivered up to 118 hp to the front wheels, while the second motor, mounted under the cargo floor, provided 54 hp to the rear wheels. The RAV4 Hybrid's nickel-metal hydride battery, located under the rear seats, powered both electric motors. The hybrid system provided plenty of instantaneous electric power, making the RAV4 Hybrid quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. It also offered smooth regenerative braking and a towing capacity of up to 1,750 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the second-row bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an optional 8-inch screen) positioned prominently atop the center dashboard. The center console provided ample storage, including a space for a cell phone, two cupholders, and a large storage bin under the armrest. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin could be quieter, but it remained comfortable on long trips. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, maintaining the same 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity as the standard RAV4.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Sienna also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers in the back.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto for the first time, joining Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM Radio as standard features. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system, with a USB-A port on the dash, was user-friendly, though it lacked USB-C ports. Higher trims included additional USB-A charging ports and an optional Qi wireless charging tray. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured Predictive Efficient Drive, which optimized battery usage based on driver inputs and navigation data. Drivers could select different drive modes, including Eco, Sport, and Trail, to suit their preferences.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and received top scores from the IIHS in several areas, including side crash and rollover crash.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, including a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, full-speed range dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The RAV4 Hybrid also included a 1-year trial of Safety Connect. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking assist with automated braking. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the standard RAV4.