2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a design that, despite its ten-year longevity, continued to strike a chord with consumers. Its appearance was marked by traditional Jeep styling elements including the iconic 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. This SUV managed a balanced aesthetic that was suitable for both rugged trails and upscale environments, appealing to a diverse demographic regardless of income, education, gender, or race.

The price of the Grand Cherokee started at $32,150 for the base Laredo model and climbed up to $52,495 for the high-end Summit variant. In between, Jeep offered eight additional versions, including the performance-oriented SRT ($68,895) and Trackhawk ($87,400) models. A Limited X model, as tested, cost $53,275 and came equipped with almost every option except a V8 engine, a towing package, and a CD player.

The Limited X in Slate Blue Pearl did a commendable job with its ventilated hood, sport-themed bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels painted in Granite Crystal, lending it a mildly customized look that the Grand Cherokee carried well. However, as the price tag exceeded $50,000, the interior materials became a point of contention. While some Grand Cherokee versions boasted premium materials, the excessive use of hard plastic started to diminish the luxurious experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid also took a step forward in appearance for its class. Trying to break away from the minivan stigma, Toyota's designers imbued the Sienna with SUV-like features. Its wide grille emphasized its width, while sleek LED headlamps and a sophisticated Toyota logo lent a modern look. The body design, featuring intricately sculpted sliding side doors and a prominent stance, added to its appeal.

Wheel sizes varied based on trim, with 17-inch alloys on the LE and XLE, 18-inch on Limited, XSE AWD, and Platinum AWD, and 20-inch alloys on XSE FWD and Platinum FWD. At the rear, the large window maintained a wide and low aesthetic. The fit and finish of the Sienna's exterior matched Toyota’s high standards.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines. The seating position was elevated for a minivan but not quite as commanding as a full-size SUV. The simple and uncluttered dashboard, easy-access controls, and convenient storage spaces like a handbag tray under the console added to its functionality. The materials used were of good quality, contributing to an overall comfortable and pleasant cabin environment.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered multiple performance options starting with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivered 295 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided satisfying acceleration and an EPA estimated 21 mpg combined. In real-world testing, it achieved an average of 19.4 mpg.

For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT variant produced 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. The pinnacle of performance was the Trackhawk’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8, generating a staggering 707 hp and 645 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.

The Trackhawk's extensive modifications ensured it could handle such powerful output, while the SRT model, though slightly less capable, still offered robust performance. The least sporty but most off-road capable, the Trailhawk, was equipped with all-terrain features including skid plates and specialized 4WD systems.

The Grand Cherokee’s inherent SUV handling was a mixed bag. While the large wheels provided good grip, the suspension could sometimes lead to motion sickness due to excessive movements. Yet, it remained unfazed over rough terrains, transmitting bumps efficiently across its architecture. Steering and brakes were adequate, balancing daily driving responsiveness with off-road readiness.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a setup similar to the Highlander Hybrid. It utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors generating 243 horsepower. The minivan offered FWD as standard and an optional AWD achieved through a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, which simplified the mechanical complexity.

The Sienna employed an electronically controlled CVT, focusing on smooth and efficient power delivery rather than rapid acceleration. While CVT’s throttle response can feel muted, it’s a tradeoff for improved fuel efficiency, with selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) adding some driving flexibility.

The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension significantly improved handling, reducing body roll and enhancing overall comfort.

Fuel economy was a highlight, with FWD models achieving an impressive 36 mpg across city, highway, and combined cycles, while AWD variants slightly trailed at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

With the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, interior space leaned towards the modest end of the midsize SUV segment. It offered comfortable seating for five and cargo space measuring 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Standard heated, 8-way power-adjustable front seats enhanced comfort but lacked ventilation options. The infotainment interface included buttons for seat heaters, which could be inconvenient. However, a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

Rear seat comfort was satisfactory, with good legroom and thigh support, along with rear A/C vents and USB ports. Interior storage was adequate, featuring door-panel bins and a handy tray in the center console, although the glovebox and center armrest storage could have been more spacious.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in accommodating family needs. A third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor was standard, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy third-row access. Storage was plentiful, with cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders throughout, amounting to 16 cupholders in total.

For cargo, the Sienna was highly versatile, capable of handling full four-by-eight sheets of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements stood at 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and further to 101 cubic feet behind the first row. This flexibility, along with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, made it a reliable family workhorse.

The Sienna’s hybrid battery did not intrude on cargo space, being positioned under the front seats. The battery came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing convenience for families.

In the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Uconnect infotainment system, housed within an 8.4-inch touchscreen, provided navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and satellite radio. Despite its user-friendly interface, the SUV’s sometimes bouncy ride could hamper ease of use. The system included connected services and an optional 9-speaker Alpine sound system, though higher trims could opt for a superior 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

A standout feature was the Off-Road Pages app, displaying crucial off-roading data. Performance Pages in the SRT and Trackhawk models catered to those monitoring their performance metrics.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and SiriusXM with various trials for safety and service connect features. Multiple USB ports and Bluetooth ensured connectivity, while higher trims provided Qi wireless charging and a 120-volt AC outlet.

Audio systems ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a JBL premium audio package with 12 speakers. An optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display catered to second-row occupants, and the digital rearview mirror in higher trims improved visibility.

Driver-centric tech included a multi-information display and, in the highest trims, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Smart key entry and push-button start were standard, enhanced with the Smart Key System in higher trims.

Jeep provided three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) for the Grand Cherokee. The standard ProTech I included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Advanced ProTech II further enhanced safety with full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous parking assist.

The Grand Cherokee’s safety ratings were lackluster, earning 4 stars overall from NHTSA, with a 3-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS ratings were similarly disappointing, particularly in small overlap frontal-impact tests and headlight performance unless upgraded.

Conversely, the Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, encompassing dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and more. Additionally, the Star Safety System included stability and traction controls, anti-lock brakes, and smart stop technology.

It featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The spare tire was repositioned for convenience and safety.