2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the aesthetic standards of minivans. Toyota's designers managed to deliver a vehicle that, at first glance, appeared more like an SUV. This effect was largely due to a wide grille that accentuated its breadth and LED headlamp arrays stylishly integrated with a prominent Toyota logo. The side profile of the Sienna displayed an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors featuring sculpted body lines that curved upward from the rocker panels to the rear wheels, producing a visually appealing look. Various alloy wheel sizes, from 17-inch to 20-inch, were offered and filled the arches with bright, metallic, or dark finishes, lending a touch of class to each trim. The rear view of the Sienna retained a low and wide appearance, and the fit and finish were of excellent Toyota quality.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized horizontal layouts. Although it didn't entirely replicate the SUV feel, it avoided the school bus vibe, maintaining a pleasant seating position higher than a sedan yet comfortable. The dashboard was straightforward and uncluttered, with most controls conveniently clustered just below the infotainment screen. The center console bridged the dash and storage compartment, featuring an innovative tray beneath large enough for a handbag. The material quality was commendable, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury. Both the second and third rows provided ample comfort, with the second-row seats adjustable to maximize space and utility.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V did not deviate much from the typical compact crossover look prevalent in the market. The daylight opening design common among crossovers was present, although a few distinct details like the grille and some chromed plastic features existed. Color options were somewhat limited, with vibrant hues like Aegean Blue Metallic being rare in dealer inventories. The interior of the CR-V offered a modern and angular look, with more upscale features like wood panels and additional chrome being available on higher trims. However, it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled crossovers like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first venture into the hybrid minivan market, equipped with a proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors delivering 243 horsepower. The standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, achieved through an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, simplified the drivetrain. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) was employed, favoring smooth power delivery at the cost of throttle response sharpness. Despite this, drivers could switch between four drive modes, including Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, though Sport was only marginally more spirited.

Handling saw significant improvements with the new suspension systems, minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride. The standout feature, however, was the impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg in all conditions for FWD models and slightly less for AWD.

The 2021 Honda CR-V instead carried a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across its nine trims. While acceleration wasn't its forte, achieving 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds sufficed for everyday driving needs. The CR-V's CVT, like that of the Sienna, prioritized smoothness but lacked engagement, making competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, with their conventional transmissions, a bit more thrilling to drive.

FWD was standard in the CR-V, with AWD available as an optional upgrade. The unitized body structure combined with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided predictable handling and ride quality, maintaining decent performance through varied driving conditions.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna are judged heavily on their utility, and the Sienna did not disappoint. Its standard third row was a 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor, while the second row slid 25 inches, facilitating easy third-row access. Storage cubbies and cupholders were plentiful throughout the cabin, including 16 cupholders in total.

Cargo capacity was a strong point, with up to 101 cubic feet available behind the first row, and configurations to carry plywood sheeting. Towing capability reached up to 3,500 pounds, and the hybrid battery's clever under-seat placement ensured no cargo space loss. Power-operated side sliding doors and a tailgate responding to kick motions rounded out the family-friendly features.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear, offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 by four cubic feet. Cargo space behind the second row was 75.8 cubic feet with seats folded, sufficient for typical family needs. The CR-V offered a range of power tailgate options depending on the trim, with the top-tier Touring featuring a hands-free version.

Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim at $35,500, whereas competitors like the Subaru Forester included them on most trims. Despite this, the CR-V's overall form and function held their own in the competitive market.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was well-equipped with technology, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included a variety of connectivity features like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and WiFi Connect trials. Audio systems progressed from a six-speaker setup in the base LE trim to a 12-speaker JBL system with surround sound in the upper trims. An available rear-seat entertainment system added further appeal with its ceiling-mounted display.

The driver-centric technology featured multi-information displays, a head-up display in Platinum models, and a digital rearview mirror option. Keyless entry and push-button start were standard, further upgrading to Smart Key System on higher trims.

In comparison, the base 2021 Honda CR-V LX had minimal tech, offering a 5-inch color screen. Higher trims upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio systems varied from 180-watt setups with six speakers in mid-trims to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the Touring trim. Navigation was reserved for the top-tier models. Charging ports were ample throughout except for the base trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite with 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—all standard across trims. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control and smart stop technology among others. There were 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and a re-positioned spare tire location for safety and convenience were also standard.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning five-star NHTSA and IIHS Top Safety Pick awards. Though it missed the top IIHS rating due to headlight and updated side crash test ratings, it got top marks in the original side crash test and a “Good” rating in most categories. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The blind spot monitoring system began from the EX trim upwards.