2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Toyota's designers made a bold attempt to reinvent the minivan aesthetic with the 2021 Sienna Hybrid, borrowing stylistic cues from popular SUVs. The wide grille emphasized its width, while horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays contributed to a sleek look. The minivan's side profile boasted a more assertive stance, with sculpted sliding side doors that required innovative engineering for their new design. Alloy wheel options ranged from 17-inch to 20-inch, offering both bright and dark finishes, enhancing the overall look. The Sienna also focused on a wide and low appearance from the rear, with the hallmark Toyota quality fit and finish being superb.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized horizontal lines to create a sense of width. Though it didn't fully capture an SUV feel, it avoided the stereotypical school bus vibe. The seating position was comfortably high, and the dashboard layout was both simple and intuitive. The center console housed the gear selector lever, cupholders, and a large storage compartment. A smartly designed bridge left space underneath the console, perfect for a handbag. The leather-wrapped steering wheel felt solid, and materials throughout the cabin were of high quality.

In contrast, since its introduction in 1996, the Toyota RAV4 evolved from a niche "cute-ute" into a robust sales leader in the crossover SUV category. By 2022, its design reflected contemporary automotive trends, with angular flourishes in the wheel arches and organic shapes on its body sides. Its expressive front end, featuring Kabuki-like headlights and a grinning lower fascia, conveyed a playful yet aggressive stance. Traditional Toyota fit-and-finish gave the exterior a high-quality feel.

Inside, the 2022 RAV4's layered dash utilized contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. A centrally mounted touchscreen minimized driver distraction. Unique design cues, such as a repeating geometric pattern inspired by circuit-board aesthetics, tied the cabin's various elements together, including on the seat inserts and dash pieces. This pattern extended to the 19-inch alloy wheels on the Adventure-trim test vehicle, creating a cohesive design narrative.

The 2021 Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into a hybrid minivan, featuring a reliable setup similar to the Highlander Hybrid. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors produced 243 horsepower. Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) were both available. AWD models used an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, eliminating mechanical complexity. The CVT transmission, while efficient, made throttle response less lively. However, improved handling and suspension systems reduced body roll and enhanced driving comfort. Fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all conditions and AWD models reaching 35/36/35 mpg.

For the 2022 RAV4, buyers could choose from three powertrains. The base gasoline-only model, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD and AWD options provided varied fuel economy—27-28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway with FWD, and slightly reduced figures for AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine paired with an electric motor to produce 217 hp and achieved a remarkable 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, offered 302 hp and could run 42 miles on electric power alone, boasting a 94 MPGe combined rating. Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, exhibited excellent highway performance and smooth power delivery. Its car-like handling, supported by an advanced AWD system and Multi-Terrain Select, made it versatile for various driving conditions.

Minivans are designed for convenience, and the 2021 Sienna excelled in this domain. With a standard third row that folded into the floor and a sliding second row, it offered exceptional flexibility. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including 16 cupholders. Cargo capacity was notable: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet with the first and second rows folded. Its clever battery placement under the front seats preserved cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with kick-response capability added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 RAV4, though classified as a small SUV, had impressive cargo capacity—37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its payload ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds. Towing capacities varied by model, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road versions capable of hauling up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample storage in the center console, door pockets, and a roomy glove compartment. The middle seat in the rear was less desirable but manageable for short trips.

The 2021 Sienna was packed with tech features. All models came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with SiriusXM and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered Qi wireless charging, a 120-volt AC outlet, and advanced audio systems, including a 12-speaker JBL setup. The rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was a highlight. Driver-focused tech included a multi-information display in the instrument panel and an optional 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 RAV4 also featured robust technology across its trims. Base models had a 7-inch touchscreen with standard smartphone integration, SiriusXM, and comprehensive connectivity options. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system on select models. The RAV4 Prime XSE boasted additional USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, blue ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and an optional bird’s-eye view camera system, enhancing its tech appeal.

Standard on the 2021 Sienna was Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection. The Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and LATCH connectors were also standard. A rear-seat reminder and tire pressure monitoring system contributed to overall safety. Although crash-test ratings for 2021 had yet to be released, previous year models performed well.

The 2022 RAV4 came with the Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, ensuring comprehensive driver assistance and safety features. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and automatic collision notification. Eight airbags and child safety locks were standard. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The RAV4 earned top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its safety credentials.