2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated rear roof, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, with features like step plates and a ladder that harkened back to its utilitarian roots. Despite some modern updates, such as plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its adventurous spirit. The interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin. While not luxurious, it was functional, with options for cloth or water-resistant synthetic leather. The Defender's design inspired a sense of adventure, making it a fun vehicle to configure and drive.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamps gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's interior emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed, providing ample storage and convenience features. The second and third rows offered comfort and flexibility, with sliding seats for easy access. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and family-friendly features, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a stylish yet functional minivan.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance capabilities. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid powertrain provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with the electric motor eliminating turbo lag. The Defender's off-road prowess was enhanced by its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by its ability to tow up to 8,200 pounds, making it a versatile and rugged vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency and practicality. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery, although it lacked the punch of a traditional automatic transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension and steering systems, offering a comfortable and stable ride. The standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models 35 mpg combined. The Sienna's hybrid powertrain made it an economical choice for families seeking a fuel-efficient minivan.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and versatility. Its interior was minimalist and functional, with options for a jump seat and third-row seating. The Defender 90 could accommodate up to six passengers, while the 110 offered seating for up to seven. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering 16 cubic feet and the four-door 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's rugged design was complemented by its impressive towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, making it a practical choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality. It featured a standard third-row bench that easily stored away, and the second row could slide up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's interior boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage space, with cargo capacity ranging from 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 101 cubic feet with the first row folded. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate added to its family-friendly features, making it a practical and versatile minivan.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous systems. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality. The system's interface was simplified, although some user interface issues remained. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by advanced camera systems and digital displays, providing valuable information for off-road adventures. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with additional options for a head-up display and a premium Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Connectivity options included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect trials. The Sienna's audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a premium JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display and wireless headphones. The Sienna's driver-focused technology included a multi-information display, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came equipped with standard safety features such as forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. However, it lacked knee airbags and rear side airbags, with a total of six airbags. The Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies due to its limited volume and price.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also had the Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. It was equipped with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. While crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were not yet available, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.