2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, integrated with the Toyota logo, gave it a modern look. The side profile featured sculpted sliding doors with a body line that bulged over the rear wheels, enhancing its assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its stylish appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, with ample storage and smart design touches like a tray for a handbag. The second and third rows provided comfort for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the familiar look of its gas-only counterparts, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and unique LED fog lights. The interior featured different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard AWD, the CR-V Hybrid offered a range of features, including leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging in the Touring trim. The test vehicle in Touring trim showcased a rich two-tone interior with Ivory leather and black upper panels, though it suffered from fake wood trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. Four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered varying levels of performance. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, minimizing body roll. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, driver-selected modes included Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack and electric motors improved weight distribution and lowered the center of gravity. It retained the standard CR-V AWD model's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg combined, achieving only 33.7 mpg on the testing route.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, responsive to kick motions, added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid provided impressive interior space and comfort. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustment and heated seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seat room was remarkable, with ample legroom and a flat floor for three passengers. Interior storage was generous, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupied significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, reduced from the standard CR-V due to the battery pack. Maximum cargo space measured 68.7 cubic feet, less than the standard CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Standard connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package with Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models offered a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The system was slow to start, and voice-recognition technology was limited. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but the navigation map display was cluttered. HondaLink connected services were minimal. The Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging, though it occupied significant space on the center console. The nine-speaker premium audio system sounded good, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was standard. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, though 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.