2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid 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 the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased assertive sliding doors with a sculpted body line, and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. The rear design included a large window, maintaining a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering flexible seating configurations.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was available in a long-wheelbase version in the U.S., offering two rows of seating and expanded cargo space. The front featured Hyundai's new parametric grille with integrated LED lights, forming a unique shape when illuminated. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. The rear had distinctive LED taillights, and the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim. High-end trims included premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, horizontal dashboard lines, and an uncluttered aesthetic, providing a sense of spaciousness.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was 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 trims. 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 improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, 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 combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came in two powertrain variants: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain offered 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, achieving 37 mpg city/highway/combined, with the most efficient model getting 38 mpg. AWD was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performing well in off-road testing. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power and efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and offered flexible cargo configurations. Nominal 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 hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, comparable to top competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also available. The new platform provided more room for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models. A hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity options 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 Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10.25-inch touchscreen was available, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen integrated climate control and media functionality into a flat, touch-sensitive surface, which could be challenging to use while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were more heavily relied upon. The touchpoints were responsive, but the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly.

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 marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by IIHS or NHTSA. The Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Additional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, parking collision avoidance assist, and remote parking assist. Hyundai offered a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and 7-year anti-perforation warranty, along with 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.