2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practical design, though its price seemed steep for a RAV4. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not suited for a Trail trim level, unlike the non-hybrid version. Its tough exterior was complemented by a stylish and functional interior, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was noted during the test drive.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Its assertive profile featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows. The Sienna's flexible seating arrangements and power-operated doors and liftgate added convenience, making it a practical choice for families. Its ability to carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed highlighted its versatility.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided a standard AWD drivetrain, with the rear motor generating 89 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with a fuel efficiency of 6.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. However, the tires lacked grip, affecting cornering performance. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled as a daily driver, offering a comfortable ride and decent off-road capability with its 20.6 cm ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, carrying over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on most trims. The Sienna's CVT provided smooth power delivery, and its handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to the TNGA platform. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined. The Sienna's battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and dual-zone climate control. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and a user-friendly infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided 1,059 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity, accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. Its sliding second row added flexibility, with cargo measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated doors and liftgate enhanced convenience, and its towing capacity was 1,585 kilograms. Storage cubbies and cupholders were abundant throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a choice of infotainment systems, with the top-tier model offering an 8-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system included dynamic voice recognition. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with similar safety features. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety profile.