2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

For plenty of shoppers, the minivan aesthetic was a hard sell when it came to the 2023 Toyota Sienna. Many recalled memories from childhood family trips, where sliding doors and slab-slide designs often meant crumb-filled carpets and cluttered interiors. Despite the practical advantages of minivans like larger cargo capacity and easy access, their style seemed to pale in comparison to the rising popularity of SUVs beginning in the 1990s.

To combat this dated perception, Toyota made a bold effort to revamp the Sienna’s look. For instance, the front-end styling strongly resembled a Japanese bullet train, adding a modern flair. Most trims came with 18-inch wheels, but FWD iterations of the XSE and Platinum trim levels were equipped with 20s. Given the range of trims available—from the base LE to the top-shelf Platinum, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition—the Sienna catered to various budgets and tastes.

The interior of the Sienna followed suit. The Platinum trim model showcased brown leather upholstery and wood grain accents, which lent a luxurious feel. The model seated seven or eight passengers, with the higher capacity limited to the LE or XLE trims. The middle row, capable of supporting three-across car seats, was particularly appealing to families.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid aimed for a sporty and modern feel. Starting at $33,700 for the base model, the vehicle sported black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim, adding a stylish touch. The interior of the CR-V, however, remained relatively basic in the base models, only offering leather-lined seats and more luxurious touches in the higher Sport-L and Sport Touring trims.

Our test vehicle, the Sport Touring Hybrid, featured Canyon River Blue paint and exclusive 19-inch gloss black wheels. While the CR-V's design exuded a technical, almost robot-like face, its best angle was from the rear quarter, where tidy lines and Volvo-inspired taillights signaled an upscale appearance.

Inside, the CR-V prioritized quality materials and thoughtful design. Leather seats with orange contrast stitching, soft-touch dashboard pads, and metal mesh dashboard accents showcased Honda's attention to detail. These features provided an upscale environment that easily competed within the compact SUV segment.

When Toyota launched the fourth-generation Sienna in 2020, it went all-hybrid, dropping the traditional gasoline engine. The Sienna packed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two front-mounted electric motors, along with an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, summing up to 245 net system horsepower. While these specs fell short compared to competitors, the Sienna made up for it with a solid chassis and steering system. Its CVT wasn’t the best for rapid accelerations, but the light steering made city driving a breeze, offering an impressive turning radius for a minivan. Various drive modes like EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport were available, although Normal mode proved to be the most effective and balanced for everyday use.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. This unique setup, which included a propulsion motor and a generator/starter motor, delivered a total of 204 horsepower to either the front or all four wheels. Despite the complexity of the powertrain, its operation was smooth, with low-speed acoustic warnings and a steady engine drone as subtle reminders.

However, the fuel economy of the CR-V Hybrid fell short of expectations during testing, averaging 32.4 mpg in challenging conditions compared to the EPA’s rating of 37 mpg. Still, the CR-V Hybrid maintained a quiet ride, compliant handling, and reliable performance in various driving scenarios, making it easy to drive, albeit less engaging for those seeking off-road adventures or spirited drives.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled with its extensive interior storage. With numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins, every inch of space was optimized for practical use. The center console’s open cubby could accommodate a large bag or purse, and a dashboard shelf provided space for phones, often equipped with a wireless charging pad in higher trims. The minivan offered excellent storage flexibility with plenty of cupholders, a big center console bin, and spacious cargo capacity. The Sienna's deep floor allowed for 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and 101 cubic feet overall. Its only limitation was the non-removable second-row seats, unlike competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, which offered removable or foldable seats.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid impressed with quality materials and a well-thought-out cabin layout. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided exceptional support, and the rear seats offered comfortable leg support and adjustable backrests. Entry and exit were easy, thanks to rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees.

Inside, the CR-V offered ample storage areas, although the glove compartment was surprisingly small, and the driver’s seatback lacked a storage pocket. Cargo capacity in the CR-V Hybrid's Sport Touring model was 34.7 cubic feet, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down, making it spacious for a compact SUV, but smaller compared to the Sienna’s minivan capabilities.

Perhaps the most significant drawback for the Sienna in 2023 was its dated infotainment system. It included SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but required a wired connection for both smartphone integrations. The 9-inch touchscreen was adequately functional but felt antiquated compared to newer Toyota models. Despite offering physical buttons for easier control, the interface lacked intuitive navigation and fluid user experience. However, the 12-speaker JBL audio system in the test model delivered good sound quality, making up for some of the infotainment shortcomings.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid provided advanced technology with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and either a 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. While the 7-inch screen felt small, the 9-inch option was only marginally better. Higher trims boasted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system for excellent sound quality. However, the voice recognition system was underwhelming, lacking the sophistication of smartphone assistants. Nevertheless, Honda’s walk-away automatic locking feature added practical value, ensuring vehicle security as the owner departed with the key fob.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna came loaded with standard safety features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to family safety. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Both NHTSA and IIHS gave high marks to the Sienna, the latter awarding a Top Safety Pick+ designation to the 2022 model, hinting at the same for 2023.

Similarly, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control among other systems. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and low-speed automatic braking control were available in higher trims. The CR-V’s safety performance was commendable, with refined systems that handled various road conditions effectively. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and was expected to garner positive NHTSA ratings.