2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid stood as a sharp-looking compact SUV that seemed to project a rugged aesthetic despite its hybrid powertrain. We reviewed the RAV4 Hybrid Limited, a fully-loaded version that cost $42,083, which was on the high side for this model. This specific trim did not visually set itself apart from the standard versions enough, especially when viewed from the outside. It would have benefited from larger, more commanding wheels akin to the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited. The vehicle's styling had a tough edge, though, and carried the same muscular style seen in many compact SUVs today. However, Toyota could have made a more aggressive visual statement in the hybrid model, perhaps by offering an Adventure trim level.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was practical and stylish but hit a mixed note with materials – the blend included both high-quality finishes and cheaper, glossy hard plastics. A notable rattle from behind the front seats, traced back to the rear license plate vibrating against the tailgate, detracted from the overall quietness of the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was designed to compete in the minivan market, which had cleverly borrowed SUV design cues. Toyota avoided the stigma of a “minivan” with SUV-like attributes, giving the Sienna a robust front end and hidden door sliders. The bold look continued to the rear, integrating the sliding door tracks into the rear window frames for a clean, finished appearance. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch on the base model to up to 20-inch on upper trims, enhancing its assertive stance.

Inside, the Sienna worked hard to drop typical minivan connotations by presenting a clutter-free cockpit-like front cabin. There was ample storage throughout the vehicle in all seating rows, and seating configurations strived for comfort with options including second-row captain's chairs with ottomans and a spacious third-row bench that could store away into the floor. The Sienna minivan created a balance of style, practicality, and comfort conducive to family needs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a front and rear electric motor setup and a lithium-ion battery pack beneath the rear seats. This configuration delivered 219 horsepower, outperforming the standard RAV4's engine by 16 horsepower, though trailing by 83 horsepower compared to the plug-in RAV4 Prime. The front motor offered 149 lb-ft torque, while the rear motor produced 89 lb-ft.

Performance was responsive thanks to the immediate torque from the electric motors, though the four-cylinder engine’s noise level during acceleration could be unpleasant. It included multiple driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The CVT managed to operate smoothly, avoiding the common “drone” associated with such transmissions, and the regenerative braking system worked effectively. However, its standard P225/60R18 Michelin Primacy all-season tires lacked grip, compromising cornering abilities and traction under speed.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain exclusively, generating a combined 243 horsepower with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. It maintained a choice between FWD and AWD, the latter thanks to a separate 54-horsepower rear electric motor that added 89 lb-ft torque. This was controlled through a CVT, providing smooth power delivery and promoting fuel efficiency.

Handling was unexpectedly positive for a vehicle of its class due to its sophisticated suspension setup from Toyota’s Next Generation Architecture (TNGA). The Sienna felt composed on highways and city streets alike, with minimal body roll and impressive comfort. Fuel efficiency stood out, with the EPA rating FWD models at 36 mpg across all metrics and 35 mpg for AWD models.

In terms of interior space and comfort, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a good amount of amenities aimed at driver comfort, like an eight-way power-adjustable seat and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom and a supportive bench that reclined slightly with heated cushions and air vents to improve comfort.

The cargo area boasted 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and extended to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite practical touches like dashboard shelves and sizeable climate and stereo control knobs, the materials used and rattles in the cabin could potentially mar the experience.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a versatile family vehicle with a cargo capacity ready for virtually any need. Storing a full 4x8 sheet of plywood was possible with the tailgate closed, and maximum cargo space extended to 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Even with the third row in place, it provided 33.5 cubic feet, while cargo room behind the second row measured 75.2 cubic feet.

Storage was smartly designed across the cabin with a series of cupholders, bottle holders, and cubbies to ensure practicality for all passengers. Power-operated sliding side doors and rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers simplified access and loading.

Technological features were robust in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The infotainment system offered either a 7-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims, like the one we tested, included an 11-speaker JBL premium audio setup, dynamic navigation, voice recognition with updates, and an array of connected services including WiFi and Remote Connect.

Camera-based tech was also significant, featuring upgrades such as a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror. The system’s layout and ease of use were strengths, though the voice recognition had occasional hiccups and air conditioning controls were notably absent.

In the 2022 Toyota Sienna, a 9-inch touchscreen was standard across all versions, paired with familiar connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, it lacked wireless capability for these features, which was a significant miss.

The Sienna included several connected services with trials, a two-GB data WiFi package, Bluetooth, and Qi wireless charging on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was also available, making long drives more enjoyable for passengers. The audio setup ranged from six-speakers on the LE to a sophisticated 12-speaker JBL system on top trims. Unique additions included a color head-up display on Platinum models, integrating critical driving information.

Safety was a strong suit in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and road-sign recognition. The Hybrid Limited trim further added features like rear cross-traffic alert and rear automatic braking.

Although the adaptive cruise control had some inconsistencies in heavy traffic, the RAV4 Hybrid received high crash-test ratings—five stars from the NHTSA and top marks in all IIHS assessments, except for headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna mirrored its safety-first focus with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star score from the NHTSA. The Sienna’s safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, covered similar features as the RAV4 Hybrid but shone with the addition of 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. It also provided comprehensive LATCH child-seat connectors and a reimagined spare tire location for more convenient roadside changes.