2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console featured a gear selector lever, cup holders, and a large storage compartment, forming a bridge between the dash and the storage area below. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, boasted an elegant and striking exterior design. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches added visual interest, while a continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. LED headlights, running lights, and taillights provided a signature look. Inside, the Palisade featured a horizontally arrayed screen, a beefy center console, and high-quality materials throughout. The second row offered either a roomy bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was spacious enough for two adults or three kids. Fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making the Palisade a worthy flagship in design and execution.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing a combined 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 maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed for some customization of the driving experience. Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The big news for the Sienna Hybrid was its 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 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a baritone rumble and no turbo lag. The Palisade's EPA estimates were 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for FWD models, and 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined for AWD models. Weighing between 4,127 and 4,387 pounds, the Palisade handled nicely, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a self-leveling suspension system. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes or up to 1,650 pounds without.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. Cargo handling was a strong suit, with the ability to carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack 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 Hyundai Palisade offered comfortable seating and easy access throughout the cabin. The third row featured cupholders on each side, while the second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and headroom. The front row had extensive storage, including two compartments in the center console and a locking glove box. Luggage space measured 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded flat. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space, and roof rails could hold up to 220 pounds of cargo. The Palisade's shift-by-wire gear selector and intuitive mode selector for the AWD system were well-placed and easy to use. A dual-panel sunroof on the Limited and Calligraphy trims improved the ambiance in the second and third rows. High-end luxury features on these trims included rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and more.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed a ton of standard and available technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. 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 Premium Audio + JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on higher trims. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display on Platinum models. A digital rearview mirror was available on Limited and Platinum trims, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on S and SEL models featured an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models had a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Multiple USB ports and a Qi wireless charging pad were available throughout the cabin. A rear-view monitor with parking guidance was standard, with a surround view function on higher trims. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on upper trims, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. Remote keyless entry with a proximity key and push-button start was standard on SEL and above.

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 included 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. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 Sienna were not yet available, but the 2020 model received high ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts for all seating positions, LATCH anchors and tethers, active head restraints, and more. Standard active safety and advanced driver assistance features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.