2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim, equipped with a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), a power panoramic sunroof, and the Confidence and Convenience II option package, had a price tag of $40,040, including the $1,195 destination charge. This price seemed steep, but Chevrolet factored in expected rebates and incentives, such as a $4,500 discount at the time. The Equinox Premier boasted a clean design with 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, roof rails, and extra chrome detailing, giving it a sophisticated look. Inside, the Jet Black and Brandy leather interior, panoramic sunroof, and polished metallic accents provided an upscale appearance, though the presence of hard and shiny plastics detracted from the overall feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. The wide grille, LED headlamp arrays, and sculpted sliding side doors contributed to its assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim, added to its visual appeal. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space. The second and third rows offered comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The Sienna's fit and finish were of superb Toyota quality.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided adequate performance, with an AWD version averaging 24.3 mpg, below the EPA's 28 mpg combined rating. For better performance and towing capacity, the 2.0-liter turbo engine delivered 252 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This version averaged 22.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg combined rating. Both versions had firm ride qualities and suffered from road and wind noise, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels providing a more athletic feel on winding roads.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, eliminating mechanical complexity. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery but lacked throttle response. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) offered some flexibility. The Sienna's handling improved significantly with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models 35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered comfortable seating with cloth upholstery in the LS trim and leather in the Premier trim. The Premier trim included an 8-way power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom in the rearmost position. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The cabin featured ample storage, including a large center console storage bin and various bins, trays, and cubbies.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The cabin had 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space 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. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, adding to its family-friendly features.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered various infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, Bluetooth pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. Upgrades included a high-definition display, cloud connectivity, improved voice recognition, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Premier trim featured a larger high-definition 8-inch touchscreen and Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system were also available.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. Connectivity features included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on higher trims. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a safe following distance monitor, and automatic high-beam headlights. A reversing camera, rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received good safety ratings, and the 2021 model was expected to perform similarly.