2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, intended to be more upscale than Chevys but not quite as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The 2020 model came in various trims, including the SL, SLE, SLT, new rugged AT4, and luxurious Denali. The Denali trim, with its optional all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and Technology Package, had a sticker price of $52,385. The Acadia's design changes were most noticeable in the front, featuring squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, the cabin saw minor updates like new electronic transmission shift switches and redesigned center console, but it largely remained the same as previous models.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation since 2011, felt dated despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna came in multiple trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium. The base L trim was well-equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Higher trims added more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, power sliding doors, and a DVD entertainment system. The Sienna also offered a Nightshade Edition for those who wanted a minivan with a cooler look.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims had a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The SLT trim featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 230 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims came with a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the AT4, which had a dual-clutch AWD system as standard. The V6 engine and nine-speed automatic provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, close to its EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration and a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna was primarily FWD, but AWD was available for all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, providing a smooth ride and decent cornering abilities. However, its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 GMC Acadia could seat five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. The Denali trim offered 6-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs, though a bench seat was available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide, supportive, and perfect for road trips, with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected but had limited space between the seat and the back of the SUV. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a good choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with essential infotainment features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution and improved user experience. The test vehicle included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice-recognition technology that worked well most of the time. Additional tech upgrades for 2020 included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim also had Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with rear passengers.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. It also included a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning system. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on higher trims and as part of a Driver Alert Package. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests and high marks from the IIHS, though it lacked complete data for some tests.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and high scores from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features earning a top rating of Superior.