2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had a design that remained largely unchanged for over a decade, offering a rugged and utilitarian appearance. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches provided a timeless style and balanced proportions. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design was functional, with a focus on durability and utility. The interior was straightforward, featuring hard plastics and an old-school dashboard with large knobs and buttons. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, added features like a premium audio upgrade and a TRD front skid plate, bringing the total to $43,729. Toyota planned to produce only 4,000 units of this edition, available in select colors and equipped with a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. Its interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows. The Sienna's flexible seating arrangements and spacious cargo capacity made it a practical choice for families. With a focus on comfort and convenience, the Sienna provided power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a part-time 4WD system, with the Trail Special Edition lacking automatic 4WD. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, which improved traction on challenging terrains. However, on paved roads, it felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with a 23-gallon fuel tank providing a range of about 385 miles.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on all trims. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. It boasted impressive EPA ratings, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD versions. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals to access without optional running boards. Once inside, passengers found comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The 4Runner provided a sliding cargo deck capable of holding 440 pounds, though it reduced cargo volume. With the rear seats folded, it offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space, complemented by a large roof rack for additional storage.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible seating arrangements. Cargo capacity measured 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's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, along with ample storage cubbies and cupholders, added to its practicality for families.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It included a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. However, the 4Runner's technology offerings were limited, with a physical ignition key and basic safety features.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, with features like a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with concerns about its age affecting crash protection.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also offered 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its safety credentials for families.