2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

Toyota put an emphasis on styling with the 2021 Toyota RAV4, offering a rugged-looking exterior that echoed traditional SUVs. The RAV4 sported boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a fierce front end that deviated markedly from its predecessors' approachable looks. This aggressive styling made the RAV4 stand out in the crowded compact crossover market, giving it an appearance that hinted at more than just standard vehicle capabilities.

Underneath its striking exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the same foundation supporting many other Toyota models. While the bold aesthetic hinted at the rugged 4Runner, the mechanical components were more similar to that of a Camry. This blend of striking design and solid engineering provided a unique combination that appealed to diverse buyers.

Toyota offered several options to enhance the RAV4's gasoline model further. The RAV4 Adventure model, for instance, came with an Ice Edge (white) roof that gave it a retro look, orange interior accent stitching, and trim. Meanwhile, the TRD Off-Road model featured matte black 18-inch wheels, standard LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, red interior accents, and a front skid plate, making it even more distinct.

Inside, the RAV4 carried forward some rugged styling cues with large rubberized knobs and door handles. Lower trims had decent material quality, though the higher trims didn't significantly elevate this. The TRD Off-Road test car featured SofTex upholstery, which Toyota claimed was lighter than leather and durable. However, real leather wasn't available, even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim.

On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity with a strong, assertive stance and tried to camouflage its minivan nature with SUV-like elements. Though the sliding side doors immediately revealed its minivan pedigree, Toyota ingeniously re-engineered the door hinges to bury the slider channel and integrated styling details into the rear fender well. This created an overall assertive profile.

Its interior design avoided the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and clever storage solutions, such as an under-console storage area, large door pockets, and abundant cupholders. Both second and third-row passengers enjoyed roomy, comfortable seating. The available second-row captain's chairs with ottomans, ample third-row bench, and sliding second-row seats made the Sienna particularly accommodating. With its 17-inch base model wheels, upgrading to 18-inch or even 20-inch wheels on higher trims, the Sienna combined practicality with style.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a single engine choice: the "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. Though somewhat impressive for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, the engine’s 40% thermal efficiency was more commonly found in racing engines. However, the rest of the RAV4 couldn’t quite match this dynamic energy. The transmission often hesitated and delayed gear changes, while steering, though responsive, lacked a tangible feel, resulting in a somewhat disjointed driving experience.

The highway drive proved smoother with lower cabin noise, but Toyota seemed to have missed some potential to enhance the RAV4’s on-road performance. Instead, focus shifted to off-road capability, adding features like a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models. These variants even had a 3,500-pound towing capacity, but their off-road prowess remained limited by less-than-ideal suspension articulation and shallow approach angles.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively as a hybrid, mirroring its 2021 predecessor. This aligned well with Toyota’s strong hybrid legacy. The Sienna combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. Standard FWD could be upgraded to AWD, which added an electric motor driving the rear wheels without mechanical complications.

The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Despite being a minivan, the Sienna's handling impressed, thanks to its TNGA platform’s independent rear trailing arm suspension and favorable front suspension and steering.

Fuel efficiency was a standout aspect, with the EPA rating the FWD Sienna Hybrid models at 36 mpg city/highway/combined, and AWD variants achieving 35 mpg city/highway/combined. Toyota strategically placed the 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery under the front seats, supported by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a practical interior with good headroom due to its tall, upright roof. This also contributed to excellent outward visibility. However, legroom, especially in the rear seats, lagged behind competitors. Front seats in the RAV4 TRD Off-Road were comfortable and form-fitting, while rear seats were flat and hard, making long journeys less appealing.

Cargo space stood at 37.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place, placing it above average but not as spacious as the class-leading Honda CR-V. Loading cargo was eased by a wide aperture, though the higher cargo area lip presented a minor inconvenience.

The Sienna was a powerhouse for family utility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its flexible second-row sliding seats added versatility for freight loading. Cargo space, measured at 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row, underscored its significant capacity. Both the RAV4 and Sienna had similar maximum towing capacities of 3,500 pounds.

The Sienna featured power-operated side sliding doors and a rear tailgate triggered by foot-motion, enhancing convenience. Row-wise, each provided storage cubbies and cupholders, with third-row 60/40-split benches storing into the floor easily.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 included essential tech features like standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model upgraded to an 8-inch screen. A 9-inch screen was exclusive to the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. Up to five USB ports and an available JBL premium audio system added to the tech suite. However, it lacked a head-up display, making the tech offerings competent yet unremarkable.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, meanwhile, came loaded with standard tech. A 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports were standard features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were missing, which was somewhat disappointing.

Additionally, it had a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims boasted a 12-speaker JBL system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch widescreen display, and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices. A 7-inch instrument panel display on higher trims and a 10-inch color HUD in the Platinum trim made driving more convenient and safe.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned high marks for safety with a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, featuring forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

Similarly, the nearly identical 2022 Toyota Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also boasted 10 airbags and numerous LATCH child-seat connectors, making it a secure choice for families. A rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an accessible spare tire added to its safety profile.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned high marks for safety with a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, featuring forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

Similarly, the nearly identical 2022 Toyota Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also boasted 10 airbags and numerous LATCH child-seat connectors, making it a secure choice for families. A rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an accessible spare tire added to its safety profile.