2021 Honda HR-V vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs, which typically featured more traditional and intimidating designs. Its distinctive styling included unique details like converging window lines near the taillights, which also housed the rear door handles. Most trim levels came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport models boasted matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain yet functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offered features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L adding leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling elements. It featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, facilitating easy access to the third row. The Sienna's design allowed for a spacious and versatile interior, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available across all trim levels. However, the HR-V's powertrain was considered underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was deemed ineffective. Despite this, the HR-V's chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. Its all-wheel-drive system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrains, and it lacked towing capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 model, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT offered smooth and efficient power delivery, with selectable drive modes enhancing the driving experience. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. It boasted excellent fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The hybrid system's battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, ensuring a balanced design.

The 2021 Honda HR-V offered impressive cargo space for its size, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD) with the seat up. The HR-V excelled in rear-seat legroom, leading its segment, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating 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 had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The interior featured power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with ample storage cubbies and cupholders throughout, making it a convenient choice for families.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim included standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Sport trim provided a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was functional but lacked the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, which was a drawback compared to competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices. Higher trims boasted a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Honda Sensing safety features were available on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 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 for added convenience.