2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the aesthetic expectations for minivans. With design elements that borrowed heavily from SUVs, the Sienna boasted a wide grille that emphasized its width, paired with sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel that housed a prominent Toyota logo. Its sculpted, assertive stance was complemented by redesigned sliding side doors, which required significant engineering to accommodate their new, sleek form. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced the Sienna’s visual appeal, depending on the grade, and contributed to its overall polished finish. Inside, the Sienna's cabin emphasized horizontal lines to create a roomier feel. The dashboard layout was simple with most controls clustered around the infotainment screen, while the center console provided smart storage solutions. Seating in the second and third rows was comfortable, even for adults, and the materials throughout the cabin had a high-quality feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged and functional design in line with its off-roading heritage. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door model, with multiple powertrain options that included a variety of engine types like turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and even a plug-in hybrid version. The High Tide special edition model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, Gorilla Glass windshield, and other unique elements like sand-and-slush floor mats and special hood decals. It also included the Xtreme Recon package, which added a 1.5-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The Wrangler interior was straightforward, with durable cloth upholstery and practical storage solutions, though it remained basic compared to competitors. Key challenges included raised suspension that made entry and exit difficult, and limited visibility in certain situations.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors to generate a total of 243 horsepower. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the Sienna's AWD system used a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The vehicle utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over thrilling performance. The handling was significantly improved over previous models, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Fuel efficiency was a standout, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg combined for FWD and 35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification. This setup produced 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Though its eight-speed automatic transmission was a $4,000 option, it was essential for maximizing performance, especially with the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. Fuel economy estimates from the EPA suggested 21 mpg in combined driving, but real-world usage with the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 17.6 mpg. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique but challenging, characterized by a noisy cabin, imprecise steering, and a bumpy ride. Yet, these quirks were part of its charm for enthusiasts who appreciated its off-road capabilities and sensory engagement.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in functionality, particularly with its interior storage and seating flexibility. The minivan comfortably accommodated passengers in the front, second, and third rows, with the latter featuring a 60/40-split bench that easily stowed away. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, enhancing access to the third row. With 16 cupholders spread throughout the cabin, the Sienna catered well to families. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet up to the front seats. Toyota's clever placement of the hybrid battery under the front seats ensured no loss of cargo space. The power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added a layer of convenience, especially for families with young children.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler faced challenges in everyday practicality. The High Tide’s raised suspension made ingress and egress difficult, particularly for shorter passengers. The interior, while rugged and functional, lacked abundant storage options. The Wrangler could carry 31.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The tailgate, which swings open from the left, was heavier due to the hefty 35-inch spare wheel, posing additional challenges in certain parking situations. While the Wrangler excelled in adventurous settings, its practicality for daily use was limited compared to the Sienna.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with advanced technology features. A standard nine-inch touchscreen provided access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Depending on the trim level, 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 a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and dynamic navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was also available. The driver's tech included a multi-information display, with higher trims providing a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could even feature a digital rearview mirror, swapping the actual view with a camera feed when the back was obstructed.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, offered relatively basic tech features. It included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. More advanced options were available, like an 8.4-inch touchscreen with connected services and an Alpine premium sound system, but these were not present in the test model. Additional features included remote engine start, a passive keyless entry system, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group package added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort in colder conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering 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. Additional safety features included the Star Safety System, which encompassed vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna was equipped with 10 airbags and featured multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were also standard. While crash-test ratings from agencies like IIHS or NHTSA for the 2021 model were pending, the 2020 Sienna had received strong ratings in most categories.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group packages. These added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Despite these safety features, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were underwhelming. It received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and had marginal ratings from IIHS in various crash tests. Its headlight performance also rated poorly, which suggested the Wrangler needed careful handling to ensure safety.