2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Toyota Sienna didn’t exactly embody the traditional minivan aesthetics often avoided by those seeking vehicular fashion. Toyota’s designers had made concerted efforts to elevate its style, offering a more SUV-like exterior. A wide grille accentuated the vehicle’s breadth, and horizontally arranged LED headlamps integrated with the bold Toyota emblem provided a sleek look. From a side view, the Sienna maintained an assertive stance, thanks in part to the redesigned sliding side doors that gracefully swooped from the rocker panels to the rear wheels. These doors were re-engineered to tuck in seamlessly, a significant departure from the flat doors of yore. Wheel sizes varied depending on the trim, from 17-inch alloys on the LE and XLE trims to 20-inch on the XSE FWD and Platinum FWD, all enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal. The rear was dominated by a large window yet still managed to present a wide and low perception, uncommon for minivans. Overall, the fit and finish of the exterior exuded Toyota’s well-known impeccable quality.

Inside, the Sienna continued to focus on horizontal lines to enhance the sense of width. While it didn’t quite replicate the feel of an SUV, it also didn’t resemble a school bus. The seating position was elevated, providing a pleasant ride experience without the full command seating of a large SUV. The dashboard was uncluttered, with most controls conveniently placed on the upper part of the center stack. The center console was functionally divided, featuring the gear selector lever, cup holders, and several compartments, including a large storage area that could hold a handbag. The leather-wrapped steering wheel was sturdy and the materials throughout the cabin were of good quality. The second and third rows provided ample comfort for adults, with the second row’s capability to slide forward or aft enhancing utility and accessibility.

On the flip side, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered an undeniably polished appearance. Character lines were minimal, avoiding the “Look at me!” style seen with some automakers. However, the Ioniq 5's Parametric Pixel design utilized 8-bit box-like designs throughout, making it look more like a concept car than a production model. These pixel details were omnipresent in the lighting design, from the headlights to the taillights and daytime running lights. Furthermore, the headlights consisted of tiny dot matrix arrays creating the illusion of larger box shapes.

Other key exterior elements included aerodynamic wheels that extended into arches, enhancing the vehicle’s futuristic vibe. Despite some quirky design choices likened to retro-futuristic elements, the Ioniq 5 managed to impress.

In contrast to its slightly chaotic exterior, the cabin of the Ioniq 5 was markedly serene, available in subdued hues such as black, gray, and dark green. Hyundai’s “Living Space” design theme turned the interior into a relaxing environment, even including a “Relaxation” mode for the driver’s seat which reclined and raised a footrest, aiming for a zero-gravity resting position. The use of sustainable materials further boosted its eco-friendly appeal, with recycled fibers in door inserts and components made from plastic bottles and bio-materials. The interior’s approachability was in stark contrast to the exterior’s playful complexity, providing a thoughtfully designed space.

For performance, the 2021 Toyota Sienna debuted as Toyota’s first hybrid minivan, a testament to its long-standing leadership in hybrid technology. The Sienna was equipped with a proven powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, generating a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available across all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, producing 54 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque, thus simplifying mechanical complexity.

The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which delivered power smoothly and efficiently, albeit with some compromise on throttle response. This CVT was particularly notable for its ability to blunt throttle response, trading off some driving excitement for fuel efficiency. Four selectable drive modes, including Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, allowed for some variability in driving dynamics. The vehicle’s improved handling, thanks to the TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, ensured a comfortable ride with minimal body roll.

A major highlight was the impressive fuel economy: FWD models achieved an estimated 36 mpg in the city, on the highway, and combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg, making it a highly efficient choice for families.

In comparison, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was available in three trims and powertrains, offering both RWD and AWD configurations. The base SE Standard Range trim, featuring a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivered 168 horsepower and an estimated range of 220 miles. Yet, the RWD variants of the extended-range lineup came with a larger 168-kW rear motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and the highest single-charge range of 303 miles in the lineup.

Opting for AWD unveiled a dual-motor system combining a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, summing up to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 Limited AWD trim handled various terrains and elevations with equal composure, thanks to its adept drivetrain.

The Ioniq 5 also featured four driving modes, including a notably potent Sport mode which re-tuned the torque split and enhanced steering weight. However, using this mode quickly drained the battery, particularly impactful during quick accelerations. Paddle shifters, while not used for changing gears, allowed on-the-fly adjustments of regenerative braking levels, adding an interesting layer to the driving experience.

Furthermore, the Ioniq 5 excelled in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) due to features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials, ensuring a tranquil cabin environment regardless of road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in providing convenience and utility, a non-negotiable trait for minivans. The vehicle boasted a standard third-row 60/40-split bench seat that folded into the floor effortlessly. The sliding second-row allowed up to 25 inches of movement, facilitating easy third-row access. Interior storage solutions included numerous cubbies and cupholders, with a total of 16 cupholders spread throughout the cabin.

Cargo handling was another strong point for the Sienna, capable of transporting a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate fully closed. The flexible seating configurations allowed a nominal cargo space 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. This space could be adjusted by the positioning of the sliding second row to fit various cargo needs. Additionally, the Sienna had a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

The clever design placement of its 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack under the front seats ensured it did not encroach upon cargo space. Power-operated side sliding doors and a tailgate that responded to kick motions further highlighted its family-friendly design.

Conversely, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior leveraging its long wheelbase of 118.1 inches. Despite appearing hatchback-like, the Ioniq 5 provided the roominess of an electric SUV with a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. However, its rear cargo space of 27.2 cubic feet was somewhat less than its competitors.

The cabin, with its soft-touch points and “Living Space” design, was highlighted by functional areas such as a movable center armrest with a large cubby, an innovative feature that allowed a modern take on traditional bench seating. The seats, particularly the leatherette ones in the test vehicle, were notably comfortable, providing a balance of support and cushion for a diverse range of body types.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna shined with its extensive standard and optional technological features. A nine-inch touchscreen accessible to all trim levels offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, multiple USB ports, and a suite of connectivity features like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims benefited from upgrades such as Qi-compatible wireless charging, a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet, and impressive audio systems, culminating in a JBL 12-speaker setup for premium trims.

A rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch 1080p display, enhancing the riding experience for second-row passengers. Additionally, drivers enjoyed tech like a color multi-information display, a 10-inch head-up display in Platinum trims, and a digital rearview mirror, elevating the Sienna’s tech quotient. Remote keyless entry with push-button start and the Smart Key System added further convenience.

Alternatively, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was brimming with next-generation technological marvels. Its high-voltage system enabled ultra-fast charging, supporting 800-volt infrastructures and even providing vehicle-to-load capabilities that could power homes or other EVs. Impressively, it could reach 80 percent battery capacity within 18 minutes using a 350-kW charger, and Hyundai's partnership with Electrify America made fast charging free for two years.

Multimedia features were equally advanced, with the Ioniq 5 featuring a redesigned Blue Link app focused on EV management, a digital key, smartphone pairing enhancements, and artificial intelligence-powered voice recognition. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current. The vehicle’s dual 12.3-inch anti-glare screens provided clear and elegant displays for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system, rounding out a tech-savvy package.

Safety was paramount for the 2021 Toyota Sienna, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This comprehensive suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist, all standard. The Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was also standard.

Additionally, the Sienna boasted ten airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats, making it a solid family choice. A rear-seat reminder system helped ensure that no child was accidentally left behind. The model’s tire pressure monitoring system and an optional spare tire added extra layers of safety.

While official crash-test ratings for the 2021 Sienna had not been released, its predecessor scored well in most categories, assuring future buyers of its reliability.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai's SmartSense suite, offering a raft of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance.

Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist (HDA) I was another highlight, providing a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control that learned drivers' habits over time. For the first time in a Hyundai, an augmented reality head-up display (HUD) was available, though it did pose some distractions during real-world use.

While the Ioniq 5’s official crash-test ratings were yet to be released, Hyundai's remarkable record in safety awards indicated a strong likelihood of high scores.