2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's signature quality evident in the fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, cupholders, and a bridge-like structure connecting the dash to the storage compartment. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space and utility.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, despite its fully loaded status, maintained a modest appearance, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. Its styling was tough for a compact SUV, though it could benefit from bolder wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was both stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some hard plastics. The interior offered 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 oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior was designed for functionality, with thoughtful touches like a centre armrest with cupholders and bottle holders in the door panels.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive option, the latter powered by a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, generating 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain provided standard AWD, with the rear motor contributing to this setup. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with the latter emitting a whirring noise for pedestrian awareness. The SUV's curb weight ranged from 1,680 to 1,720 kilograms, and it delivered lively acceleration thanks to instant electric-motor torque. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined rating of 6.0 L/100 km, and our testing loop averaged 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided agreeable driving dynamics, though the tires lacked grip in corners. The SUV handled well on various road conditions, with a flat cornering stance and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, offering flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate with kick-motion activation added to the family-friendly features.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered 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 oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior was designed for functionality, with thoughtful touches like a centre armrest with cupholders and bottle holders in the door panels. The rear liftgate opened to reveal a spacious cargo area, though the subwoofer and all-weather mat took up some space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all grades, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, with Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The larger screen included SiriusXM and connectivity features like Remote Connect and Safety Connect. Our test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The SUV had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. In crash tests, the RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.