2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, with the "2.0T" versions providing a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was an optional feature, allowing the automatic transmission to distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. Buyers could select from various paint colors, interior options, and dealer-installed accessories. The Limited 2.0T trim, equipped with dealer-installed floor mats, was priced at $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, featuring a distinctive grille shape, stacked lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard design and diamond-textured speaker grilles added character, while the materials, though stylish, were not as high-quality as the design suggested. The build quality was excellent, and the controls operated smoothly. Overall, the Santa Fe's daring design appealed to those who appreciated unique aesthetics.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and LED headlamp arrays contributed to a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes enhanced its assertive stance. The Sienna's fit and finish were superb, reflecting Toyota's quality standards. Inside, the emphasis on width and horizontal lines created a spacious feel. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The seating position was comfortable, and the materials used throughout the cabin had a good feel. The second and third rows were designed for adult comfort, with the second row offering sliding capabilities for maximum utility. Overall, the Sienna Hybrid combined style and functionality, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, with a curb weight ranging from 3,591 to 3,946 pounds, offered a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was the preferred choice for better performance. This engine provided a significant increase in power and torque, making it ideal for high-altitude driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Santa Fe had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined driving. The test model returned 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, thanks to laminated glass. While it handled moderate off-roading well, it was more of a practical tool than an engaging drive.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The CVT's smooth power delivery was complemented by four selectable drive modes. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension systems, minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride. The standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models rated at 35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in thoughtful design, offering creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone automatic climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. The back seat was spacious, with air conditioning vents, sunshades, and heated cushions. However, the Santa Fe fell short in cargo space, offering 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet in total. The hands-free "smart" liftgate was a convenient feature, opening automatically when the key fob was detected.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna prioritized convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders, totaling 16 cupholders. The Sienna could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering flexibility for cargo. Cargo measurements included 33.5 cubic feet 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 positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate with kick-motion activation added to the family-friendly design.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three years of free service. The Limited trim offered an 8-inch display, navigation, surround-view camera, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. A head-up display provided essential information, including blind-spot alerts. The technology was intuitive, with a sophisticated voice recognition system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It included SiriusXM, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Sienna offered a year of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year Service Connect trial, and a three-month AT&T WiFi Connect trial. Qi-compatible charging was standard on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. A digital rearview mirror was optional, enhancing visibility.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. A driver monitoring system and rear-seat reminder were standard. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The SEL Convenience Package included an ultrasonic occupant alert system, linked to the Blue Link app, to prevent leaving children or pets in the vehicle. The Limited trim introduced a Blind-Spot View Monitor, supplementing the traditional blind-spot warning system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with 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 added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna featured 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system was standard, along with a tire pressure monitoring system. The spare tire location was improved for safety. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.