2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. Toyota's designers gave it a more SUV-like appearance, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel with a prominent Toyota logo. The side profile showcased assertive lines, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. The rear design maintained a wide and low stance, with Toyota's signature quality fit and finish.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite as high as a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console featured a gear selector, cup holders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows provided ample comfort, with the second row sliding for maximum utility. The materials and surfaces throughout the cabin had a premium feel, making the Sienna a comfortable and practical choice for families.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, giving it a familiar yet rugged look. The Passport's new nose design aimed to add attitude and toughness, with all three trim levels—EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite—sporting new wheel designs. The TrailSport trim, in particular, targeted off-road enthusiasts with standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes for various conditions.

Inside, the Passport offered one of the largest interiors in the two-row midsize SUV segment. The TrailSport trim added unique touches like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting. The seats were large and comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard. The rear seats provided ample room and a slightly elevated seating position, making long trips more comfortable. The Passport also featured plenty of storage options, including a massive center console storage bin and various door panel compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over previous models, thanks to new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L trim offered front-wheel drive, while the TrailSport and Elite trims came with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine provided smooth and strong performance, with the Passport achieving 22 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD. The TrailSport trim averaged 21.3 mpg over various driving conditions. The Passport's driving dynamics were commendable, with firm, communicative ride quality and athletic handling. However, the brakes showed some issues during mountain descents, heating up and vibrating under low-load conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. 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 responded to kick motions, adding to the family-friendly features.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy entry and exit, with large, comfortable seats and standard leather upholstery. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The rear passengers enjoyed ample room and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows enhancing the open feel. The Passport provided plenty of storage options, including a massive center console storage bin and various door panel compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The Passport's simple utility and comfort made it easy to live with.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. 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. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility when the rear view was obstructed.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added a navigation system, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The system had shortcut buttons for easy navigation, but the lack of a stereo tuning knob was a minor inconvenience. Apple CarPlay and Siri provided a more user-friendly experience compared to the Passport's built-in navigation system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's overall technology offerings were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna 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 added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. 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, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and a seatbelt reminder system. However, some Honda Sensing functions were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist drawing negative attention. The Passport received five-star ratings from NHTSA in most categories but had a four-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS gave the Passport top ratings in most respects, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.