2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota Venza was often compared to a Lexus in terms of its design, with critics noting its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Its sleek grille and elongated profile gave it a luxurious appearance that set it apart from other Toyota SUVs. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colors. Standard features included LED headlights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with more advanced options like a 12.3-inch screen and Star Gaze panoramic roof available on higher trims. The Venza's interior was noted for its premium appointments, with a focus on comfort and style, making it a refined choice for drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. It featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The Sienna's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and a flexible cargo area. The minivan's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to its practicality, making it a versatile choice for families. With a focus on comfort and functionality, the Sienna provided a spacious and well-equipped environment for both drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. Its electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) allowed for smooth acceleration, although the engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza's handling was typical of a Toyota, providing a confident and predictable driving experience. It excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway and 39 mpg combined, making it a standout in its class. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, and its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform. The Sienna's fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models 35 mpg combined. The hybrid battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, and Toyota offered a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design with premium materials and a focus on comfort. Its cabin featured a deep center console with various controls and storage options, while the seating provided ample space for both front and rear passengers. The Venza's cargo space was somewhat limited compared to competitors, with a maximum of 55.1 cubic feet, but it was sufficient for daily use. The quick-flip rear seatbacks made it easy to configure the cargo area as needed.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, and the third-row bench easily stored away into the floor. The Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet behind the first row. With a 3,500-pound towing capacity, the Sienna was well-suited for family adventures. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate enhanced convenience, making it a practical choice for busy families.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE and XLE trims, while the Limited trim boasted a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. Standard technology included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Venza Limited offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation with cloud-based route guidance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While wireless connectivity for these features was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A head-up display and digital rearview mirror were available on top trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety technologies available on higher trims. The Venza's safety features were effective and non-intrusive, providing peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with features like lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also offered 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard, ensuring safety for families on the road.