2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique space in the automotive market, standing firm in the minivan category despite the SUV's dominance. While many manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and others had abandoned the minivan segment, Toyota continued to innovate with the Sienna. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style without hiding its minivan roots, evident from its sliding side doors. The design featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating for families, with options for second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a more rugged and blocky appearance, a departure from its previous softer crossover styling. The redesign in 2019 introduced a trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork, which became a trend among competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The interior continued this angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and practical layout. While the materials were average for its class, the build quality was solid, and the driving experience was smooth and confident, though not particularly sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's design and functionality aimed to appeal to drivers seeking a reliable and efficient compact SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup, shared with other Toyota hybrids like the Highlander and RAV4, offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, and it boasted impressive fuel consumption figures, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also utilized a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 219 horsepower. The CVT drove the front wheels, while a second electric motor provided all-wheel drive capability. The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4. The braking system effectively combined regenerative and physical braking, while the suspension offered a comfortable ride over various road conditions. Although not particularly sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were competent and reliable, appealing to drivers seeking efficiency and practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row allowed for flexible cargo loading, with cargo space measuring 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families on the go.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable front seats and adequate rear seating for average-sized adults. Cargo capacity reached 1,059 litres, comparable to its non-hybrid counterpart, with no significant loss due to the battery pack. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter individuals might find them challenging to reach. The RAV4 excelled in interior storage, offering a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, and large cupholders, along with dual-zone climate control on all trims except the base model.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna offered various telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless charging. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system, with an available rear-seat entertainment system. The digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System added to the Sienna's technological appeal.

In 2023, the RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with improved graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trims offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, enhancing the RAV4's technological offerings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star rating from the latter. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, pre-collision system, and more. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also earned high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The top trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The RAV4's safety systems performed reliably, providing peace of mind for drivers.