2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes added to its assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was smartly designed with ample storage, and the second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, despite its high price tag, did not visually distinguish itself from lower trims. It lacked the larger wheels of the non-hybrid Limited and did not offer an Adventure trim level. However, it maintained a tough appearance for a compact SUV. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some hard plastics. The test vehicle had a minor rattle issue, but overall, the interior was functional and comfortable, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option, using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it blunted throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, generating 219 horsepower. It offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system enhanced its ride and handling, though the tires lacked grip. The RAV4 Hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg combined, and it performed well in both daily driving and light off-road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and cargo handling. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily, and the second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin offered 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and had flexible cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. Its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and decent rear-seat legroom. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was accommodating, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats down increased the cargo space to 69.8 cubic feet. The test vehicle's premium sound system and all-weather mat had some space issues, but overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered practical and comfortable interior space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It 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 featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with upgrades available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The top-shelf system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured impressive camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, though 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights, road-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. Rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.