2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a distinctive niche in the automotive world. Despite the downturn in minivan popularity due to the rising dominance of SUVs, Toyota steadfastly remained loyal to this segment. The Sienna's lineage began in 1998, deriving its foundation from a front-wheel-drive platform similar to the Camry. By 2021, the fourth-generation Sienna emerged, showcasing an SUV-inspired design to attract a broader audience. While its iconic sliding side doors unmistakably labeled it as a minivan, Toyota cleverly integrated these elements into a more assertive, cohesive design. The front end exhibited a bold look, while the rear doors featured refined styling cues. Wheel sizes varied, with base models sporting 17-inch wheels and higher trims boasting 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Sienna's cabin championed functionality without sacrificing style. The front cabin distance itself from the typical minivan vibe, favouring a neat and practical layout. Storage solutions were abundant, with generous door pockets, clever under-console spaces, and up to 16 cup holders. Rear passengers enjoyed spacious and comfortable seating, with options for second-row captain's chairs featuring ottomans or a versatile bench seat. The third-row bench ensured flexibility thanks to its 60/40-split design, easily stowing away into the floor.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a compact SUV introduced in 1996, had evolved significantly over its five generations. Initially created as a nimble alternative to larger SUVs, it quickly became a trendsetter in the "cute-utes" category. The 2022 model carried forward the refined design from its 2019 redesign. The RAV4's exterior featured angular lines and distinct wheel arch flourishes, while its front façade with expressive headlights and a distinctive grille hinted at an anthropomorphic face—a playful yet aggressive tone. The overall exterior exuded quality and detailed craftsmanship.

Inside, the RAV4’s cabin was a blend of layered textures and contrasting colors. The center stack was straightforward, with a touchscreen interface positioned for driver convenience. Unique design elements, such as a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tied the interior together, adding visual interest. The 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels on the Adventure-trim underscored its adventurous spirit.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried forward its hybrid-only powertrain from 2021, setting it apart in the van segment. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, the Sienna delivered a combined output of 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, but AWD was available on all trims. For AWD, an additional electric motor provided 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. It used a CVT for smooth and efficient power delivery, complemented by four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was improved by the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, featuring a sophisticated front suspension, steering, and an independent rear trailing arm suspension. Its EPA fuel economy rated at 36 mpg across the board for FWD and slightly less for AWD.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered both FWD and optional AWD. Fuel economy for the gasoline model ranged from 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined for FWD to slightly lower for AWD configurations.

The RAV4 Hybrid used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce 217 hp, with an impressive fuel economy of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime, with its plug-in hybrid setup, combined a 2.5-liter gas engine with a larger battery pack, producing 302 hp and capable of 42 miles of electric-only driving. Fuel efficiency for the Prime was notable at 94 MPGe combined.

The RAV4's AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select for various driving conditions and dynamic torque vectoring for enhanced cornering performance. In our tests, the gasoline Adventure AWD model demonstrated robust performance, particularly on highways. Its handling was commendable, thanks to its independent suspension setup with MacPherson struts upfront and a multi-link rear suspension.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be the ultimate family hauler with impressive cargo flexibility. It could carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, highlighting its spacious interior. Cargo capacity measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a substantial 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also featured a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Its power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, activated by foot-motion sensors, significantly enhanced its practicality for families.

The RAV4, having grown through the generations, offered a respectable 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Depending on the configuration, its payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds. Towing capacities varied significantly across trims, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, while other trims ranged from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a less desirable fifth seat in the middle rear. Storage solutions included numerous cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and additional storage beneath the center armrest. Its well-designed interior made it a versatile and practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was well-equipped with technology across all trims. Standard features included a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, multiple USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered advanced multimedia and audio systems, including an option for a 12-speaker JBL system. A rear-seat entertainment system featuring an 11.6-inch display was available on select trims. The Sienna also included multiple telematics services with varying trial periods and an optional 1500-watt inverter for powering devices. Higher trims featured a color head-up display and a digital rearview mirror for enhanced driver convenience.

The 2022 RAV4 similarly provided a solid technology suite. Base models came with a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with major smartphone platforms. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and available 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime showcased the best tech features, including additional USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, a Qi wireless charging pad, and an available bird’s-eye view camera system. A key difference was the availability of advanced navigation systems and the top-tier sound system in upper trims, reflecting the RAV4's blend of practicality and modern tech.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Its standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included numerous driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured ten airbags, multiple child-seat LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and an inflator kit with an optional spare tire for added safety and convenience.

The 2022 RAV4 also prioritized safety with Toyota’s Star Safety System, incorporating stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It provided eight airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, featuring aids like pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick and a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the RAV4 Prime from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.