2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler had an unmistakable presence on the road. Recognizable by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling, the Wrangler’s design elements were thoroughly industrial. Even if you didn’t fold down the windshield or remove the doors, the exposed hinges and bolts hinted at the vehicle’s rugged versatility. A key feature of the Wrangler was its removable top, which added to its image as a recreational utility vehicle rather than a typical commuter car.

Inside, Jeep kept the cabin fresh while paying homage to its rugged roots. The dash design was retro, with circular climate vents and gauges that reinforced the Wrangler's utilitarian nature. The Wrangler was available in several trims, including Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and the off-road king Rubicon. The base Sport trim was sparse on luxury, reflecting its rugged character with manual windows and locks, combined with a basic 5-inch touchscreen system and eight speakers. More comfort-oriented features were available in higher trims or as part of packages.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna sought to change the way minivans were perceived. With a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, the Sienna projected a more assertive stance akin to an SUV. The sculpted side doors and body lines over the rear wheels contributed to a dynamic appearance. Alloy wheels ranged from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim, and the fit and finish were top-notch, as expected from Toyota.

The interior of the Sienna focused on width with horizontal lines and a higher seating position, offering comfort without feeling like a bus. The center console was ingeniously designed with multiple cupholders and storage compartments, including a big storage space beneath the center armrest. The second- and third-row seats were spacious and comfortable, making it convenient for family use.

The base engine for the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Standard with a 6-speed manual, it was also available with an 8-speed automatic. Another engine option was the turbocharged 4-cylinder, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, it was the new-for-2020 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that really stood out, providing 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque.

The diesel engine made highway driving and overtaking a breeze. However, driving the Wrangler on the highway came with high levels of road noise and a wandering tendency due to its off-road tires. Its off-road prowess was unmatched, able to tackle rocks and ruts with ease, thanks to features like locking front and rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar. Fuel economy for the diesel was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, a slight improvement over the gas models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna’s electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving impressive EPA numbers: 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35/36/35 for AWD models. While not offering sporty performance, the Sienna handled well with its TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, giving it minimal body roll and a comfortable ride.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was versatile, with removable doors and a foldable windshield, enhanced by a variety of roofing options, including a retractable soft top and the Sky One-Touch roof. However, its cargo space was limited, with about 72 cubic feet available with the rear bench folded flat. The Wrangler’s design traded comfort and cargo capacity for off-road capability, offering less cargo space than more road-oriented SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior functionality. It accommodated a 60/40-split third-row bench that stowed into the floor, while the second row slid up to 25 inches, allowing easy access to the third row. The Sienna boasted up to 16 cupholders and significant cargo flexibility. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expanded to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet with the second row moved forward. Despite its hybrid system, the Sienna’s cargo space was unimpeded due to its cleverly positioned battery pack under the front seats.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim. The base Sport and Sport S trims included a basic 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Higher trims like the Rubicon and Sahara featured a 7-inch Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional 8.4-inch system with navigation and a premium audio setup. These upgrades provided substantial enhancements to the user experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with a robust 9-inch touchscreen across all trims, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The Sienna also included multiple USB ports, wireless charging on higher trims, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Connectivity options were extensive, with trials for connected services and onboard WiFi. Advanced audio options were available, including a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Additional safety features were available through optional packages, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning. These features were crucial due to the Wrangler’s unique sightlines and driving dynamics.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered an extensive suite of safety features as standard, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which featured dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also included the Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control and brake assist. With 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, the Sienna was prepared for comprehensive family safety. The Sienna's spare tire was intelligently relocated for safer and more convenient roadside changes.