2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

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 contributed to a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The seating position was elevated, offering a comfortable ride, and the interior materials were of high quality. The second and third rows provided ample space for adults, with the second row offering flexibility for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was a stylish little crossover that managed to maintain its appeal over time. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique look that belied its small size. The grille was appropriately sized, and the split headlights and patterned taillights added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates included 15-inch alloys on the base SE trim and 17-inch alloys on the SEL and Denim trims. Inside, the Venue offered a modern feel despite its budget-friendly materials. The cabin was bright and airy, thanks to its large windows and thin A-pillars, and the heated seats in the SEL trim added a touch of comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel economy figures of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, with AWD models achieving 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. It was only available in front-wheel drive, with a CVT managing power delivery. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. The Venue's performance was comparable to competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, but it lacked the option for a more potent powertrain or all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies, while the cargo area could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. The Sienna offered 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. Its hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with decent storage options. However, the back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was modest, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, making it less ideal for those prioritizing storage.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It featured multiple connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect trials. The audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the driver benefited from a multi-information display and optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, featuring physical buttons for easy access to media and settings. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with future wireless CarPlay availability for the base SE trim. The Venue's tech offerings were impressive for its price, with high-resolution displays and customizable driver profiles.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 model received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered standard automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA's front collision and rollover tests.