2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat outdated. The vehicle occasionally exuded an upscale vibe, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the dated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, detracted from its overall appeal. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a JBL premium audio system. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, though fully loaded, did not immediately stand out as a premium model. It lacked the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart and did not offer an Adventure trim due to its electronic AWD system. Despite this, the RAV4 Hybrid presented a tough exterior, with a need for bolder wheels. Inside, it was stylish and practical, with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. The vehicle had a rattle from the license plate on the tailgate, but overall, it provided a comfortable and functional interior.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's FWD version achieved 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration and an EPA-rated 40 mpg combined. Its CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided agreeable driving dynamics, though its tires lacked grip in corners. It excelled as a daily driver, absorbing bumps and offering a comfortable ride.

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

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions, though the seat felt a bit low. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage solutions included dashboard shelves and a center armrest with cupholders.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. It offered a WiFi hotspot with a six-month trial and five USB ports. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the speakers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with optional blind-spot monitoring on lower trims and standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. It also featured automatic high beams and road-sign recognition. The RAV4 Hybrid received five stars from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.