2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. It presented a more SUV-like appearance with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel featuring the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased assertive styling with sculpted sliding doors and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. The rear design maintained a wide and low look, complemented by Toyota's superb fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console featured smart storage solutions, and the second and third rows offered ample comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a dramatic new design with sharp, angular cues and a grille that seamlessly blended with the LED headlights. The vehicle's longer and wider dimensions were evident, making it stand out from its predecessor. The Tucson's exterior styling was bold and futuristic, with a grille that disappeared when the lights were off, especially in the Limited trim with its dark chrome finish. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin with heated front seats, a digital driver information display, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The center console felt bulky, but the overall interior design was modern and functional, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes and improved handling with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All Tucson Hybrids came with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson's steering was responsive, and its suspension provided a balanced and comfortable ride. The Tucson Hybrid achieved good fuel economy ratings of 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, with the Blue trim level rated at 38 mpg across the board. The upcoming plug-in hybrid Tucson promised even greater efficiency with an EPA rating of 80 MPGe and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, providing easy access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and offered flexible cargo space with 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. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space, and the power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to the family-friendly features.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious trunk with 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Tucson provided excellent front and rear legroom, with over 41 inches each, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The cargo floor had a dual-level system for flexible loading options. The cabin featured multiple cupholders and bottle holders, and the Limited trim's ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the interior.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, a 10-inch Head-Up Display in Platinum trims, and a digital rearview mirror option. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface controls were touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use. The Tucson provided ample USB ports, a beautiful touchscreen display, and a Bose premium stereo in the test vehicle. The infotainment commands could be managed via steering-wheel controls, adding to the convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, rear-seat reminder system, and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The Sienna had not yet been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 model received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitor, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, safe-exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart park assist. The Tucson had not yet been tested by NHTSA, but IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+.