2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille opening and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic reserved for higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and options for black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, particularly in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor. The Sienna's design was both practical and stylish, with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate adding to its family-friendly appeal. The Sienna's ability to carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed highlighted its versatility, making it a strong contender for families seeking both style and function.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, excluding the hybrid versions. It delivered smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossovers. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience but lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, contributed to its decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option that added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT offered smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes for varied driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. Its standout feature was its fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's hybrid system was complemented by a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers and their gear, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free tailgate options available. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting roof storage options for lower trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for families on the go.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch color screen on the base LX trim, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Audio systems ranged from a 180-watt system with six speakers to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer on the Touring trim. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless charging. Audio systems varied from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features standard across all trims, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.