2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Ford Explorer was widely praised for its sleek and robust exterior, a significant improvement over its predecessor. This model featured a more refined, upscale design with a lower, athletic stance. The widened headlights, sizable grille, and distinctive italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood provided it with a prominent, recognizable face. Its proportions were textbook perfect, with the only drawback being the tiny taillights. The ST version stood out with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, and quad exhaust pipes, making it strikingly attractive.

However, the interior left much to be desired. Priced in the luxury range at $60,000, the interior materials felt subpar. The "leather" resembled low-grade vinyl, accompanied by flimsy, rough-grained plastic door panels and fake carbon-fiber trim. Despite the solid-feeling switchgear and some thoughtful touches like aluminum speaker covers and white stitching, the overall ambiance did not match the high price.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna took a different approach to the minivan genre, attempting to blend SUV-like design elements into its framework. With a wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamps, it presented a sleek, assertive stance. The sculpted sliding side doors, which bulged over the rear wheels, and alloy wheels in varying sizes (17 to 20 inches) contributed to its modern look. Fit and finish were superb, typical of Toyota’s high standards.

Inside, it continued the theme of width with horizontal lines, offering an airy feel without being overly boxy. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls within easy reach. The center console featured smart design touches, such as a bridge providing extra storage space underneath. Materials and surfaces felt premium, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel was particularly pleasant. The higher seating position was comfortable for long rides, and the second and third rows were equally accommodating, making it a well-rounded family vehicle.

The 2020 Ford Explorer benefited from a shift to a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, allowing for better weight distribution. The ST trim, enhanced by Ford Performance engineers, offered an upgraded suspension and steering, making it a nimble machine with remarkable cornering and superb brake feel. The standout feature was its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) was optional across trims, delivering smooth and addictive power.

The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine at 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and a hybrid option combining a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. Though the hybrid didn’t offer significant fuel economy benefits, it provided versatility. It excelled in towing capacity, with the V6/AWD combination capable of pulling up to 5,600 pounds, bolstered by seven distinct drive modes for varied conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Toyota's first hybrid minivan, paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with AWD available across the lineup, achieved through a separate electric motor powering the rear wheels. The CVT, while efficient, did dull throttle response compared to conventional transmissions, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker given the minivan’s purpose.

The Sienna’s TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm made for improved handling and comfort. Its hybrid powertrain boasted impressive fuel economy: 36 mpg city/highway combined for FWD and 35 mpg combined for AWD, making it an economical choice for family transportation.

The 2020 Ford Explorer proved practical for family trips, offering ample space and convenient features. It provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it one of the largest in its class. The panoramic moonroof, multiple air vents, USB ports, and intuitive controls enhanced passenger comfort. The thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras, however, created some visibility issues.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior flexibility, critical for families. It featured a third row as standard and a highly adjustable second row that could slide up to 25 inches for easy access to the back. The cabin included 16 cupholders and cleverly integrated storage cubby holes. Cargo capacity was a strong suit: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row, with additional flexibility due to the sliding second-row seats. Furthermore, the Sienna could carry a full sheet of plywood, showcasing its utility.

The 2020 Ford Explorer included an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi as standard. Higher trims featured a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster enhancing usability. Features like keyless entry and remote start were standard, and the FordPass Connect app allowed remote vehicle access. However, some aspects, like the semi-automated Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and the uncustomizable digital gauge layout, felt incomplete.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The connectivity suite included multiple trials for Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi. Qi-compatible wireless charging and a powerful 1500-watt inverter were available. Premium audio systems and rear-seat entertainment with a wide-screen display were options on higher trims. The driver benefited from an informative multi-display and, in Platinum trims, a 10-inch Head-Up Display, enhancing visibility and control.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360, featuring forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking. Despite these features, the Explorer scored "Acceptable" in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side, indicating room for improvement.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered an extensive safety suite with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System provided enhanced vehicle stability control and traction features. It had ten airbags and LATCH connectors, alongside a rear-seat reminder system—essential for families. Previous Sienna models received strong safety ratings, setting high expectations for the new model.