2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX presented a more mature and refined exterior compared to its predecessor, the Encore. It was slightly larger in every dimension, with a longer wheelbase and a wider track, giving it a more complete appearance. The GX featured a larger grille, revised headlights, and a reworked rear end, which contributed to its sophisticated look. Inside, the cabin echoed this maturity with a focus on style and fit and finish, offering a more upscale feel than some of its competitors, though not quite reaching the luxury of the Mazda CX-30.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, providing a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The Sienna's cabin was designed for practicality, with a bridge-like center console offering ample storage and a smart layout for controls and cupholders.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT for front-wheel drive. An optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine offered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with the choice of all-wheel drive through a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided solid power, it was not brisk, and the three-cylinder's inherent roughness was noticeable. The Encore GX delivered a smooth driving experience with responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension, offering confidence in handling at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It featured an electronically controlled CVT, which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. The Sienna offered four drive modes, with "Sport" providing a slightly livelier feel. Its handling was significantly improved with new suspension systems, minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride. The Sienna's standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, achieving 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased rear seat and cargo space, with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo room expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made it competitive with other SUVs in its class. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the quick-flip button allowed for easy folding. The interior layout was practical, with a repositioned shifter and cupholders creating additional storage space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and cargo handling, with a standard third row and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. It boasted 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101.0 cubic feet with the first row. The Sienna could accommodate a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and tow up to 3,500 pounds. Its hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX featured GM's latest touchscreen infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface with crisp graphics. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for wireless charging and navigation. The available head-up display projected onto a small plastic display, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect trials. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package and an available rear-seat entertainment system. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came equipped with forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. It also featured the Teen Driver System and optional blind-spot monitoring. The available surround-view camera system provided clear images and was particularly useful for parking.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It was equipped with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. While crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were not yet available, the 2020 Sienna had received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.