2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, setting it apart from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs hinted at performance capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and LED headlamp arrays contributed to a sleek, assertive stance. The reworked sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its modern look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and cupholders, while the second and third rows offered flexibility and comfort for passengers. The Sienna's interior was practical and family-friendly, with a focus on convenience and utility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt less agile on tight roads. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was also available. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar's road-focused design limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid introduced a hybrid powertrain to the minivan segment, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. While the CVT's throttle response was less engaging, the Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension and steering systems, providing a comfortable and stable ride. The Sienna's hybrid system was a proven setup, similar to that in the Highlander Hybrid, and offered a balance of efficiency and practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not class-leading, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a cramped interior feel, with limited visibility due to the chopped roof and tall hood. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, crucial for a minivan. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor, and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna offered ample storage, with 16 cupholders and flexible cargo space. It could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101.0 cubic feet with the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to its family-friendly design.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone integration. The upper screen managed navigation and media, while the lower screen handled vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though these reflected sunlight easily.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a robust suite of technology features, starting with a standard 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 a JBL audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and a digital rearview mirror. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and, in Platinum trims, a 10-inch head-up display. The Sienna's tech package was comprehensive, enhancing both convenience and entertainment for all passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, as luxury vehicles like the Velar were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. The Velar's safety offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with limited standard driver-assist technologies.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Star Safety System added enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. The Sienna included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, crucial for families. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.