2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was designed to blend seamlessly with its non-hybrid counterparts, with only a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate to distinguish it. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design without any unnecessary styling changes. This approach was appreciated by those who valued design as a key factor in vehicle selection, as it avoided any extraneous details that might detract from the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was filled with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and LED headlamp arrays contributed to a sleek, assertive stance, while the re-engineered sliding side doors added a sculpted look. The Sienna offered a range of alloy wheel sizes, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the emphasis on width and horizontal lines created a spacious feel, with a higher seating position for a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with a well-designed center console providing ample storage and convenience. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering flexible seating configurations.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to factors like climate control usage or terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a 28.4-mile EV range and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, showing a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and various driving modes enhancing its performance. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the EV mode's complexity proved frustrating.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. The minivan offered four drive modes, with handling improved by new suspension systems. The Sienna's standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and AWD models slightly lower. The Sienna's hybrid system was efficient and reliable, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was limited due to the battery placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot space. The SUV comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. However, practical storage was limited, and the optional refrigerated center console bin further reduced space. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the interior.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a third-row bench that folded into the floor and a second row that slid 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and flexible cargo space capable of accommodating a four-by-eight sheet of plywood. The Sienna's battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating, with unexpected behavior and a lack of haptic feedback. While it offered a modern aesthetic and easy access to primary functions, it required patience and familiarity with technology.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of standard and available technology features, including a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity options included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect trials. Higher trims offered premium audio systems, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna's technology was user-friendly and comprehensive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous ADAS features, but its steering-assist system could be intrusive. The SUV's heavy weight and adaptive air suspension helped mitigate head-toss, but sudden steering motions could still cause discomfort. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's mass provided some reassurance in collisions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. The minivan featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. While crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were pending, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.