2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 renowned fit and finish evident throughout. 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, providing ample storage and convenience features, while the second and third-row seats offered comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged roots, staying true to its pickup truck lineage. Unlike many modern SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its off-road prowess, appealing to adventure enthusiasts. Its design featured a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper, emphasizing its capability. Inside, the 4Runner's design reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. Despite its age, the 4Runner offered a range of configurations, including the Trail and SR5 models, with TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, and TRD Pro packages. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features. The 4Runner's interior was functional, with a focus on practicality rather than modern luxury.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, lacked the punch of a conventional automatic. The Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, with handling improvements thanks to the TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine, though dated, was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. Power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to the standard 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was characterized by a harsh and cumbersome feel, with noticeable body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing obstacles effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing off-road capability. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, surpassing most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding range, facilitating 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 Sienna's family-friendly features.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres behind the second row. The three-row model reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin packaging was not as efficient as newer SUVs, the 4Runner provided ample space for gear and passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of technology features, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sienna offered a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, along with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB ports. Higher trims included a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a colour multi-information display, with a digital rearview mirror available on select trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it offered tactile controls, ideal for off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner's infotainment system was straightforward, with navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system available as upgrades.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sienna also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. It was fitted with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four stars for frontal and side-impact testing from NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.