2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, resembling a larger Subaru Forester, was designed with practicality and utility in mind. It featured gray plastic cladding for 360-degree protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for a robust appearance. The Ascent's roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on three of the four trims added to its utilitarian charm. The base model, starting at $31,995, came with 18-inch wheels and lacked privacy glass. Upgrading to the Premium trim at $34,395 offered better detailing and a superior infotainment system. The Limited trim at $39,345 added leather seats, while the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045 included premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and luxury enhancements. The test vehicle, a Touring trim, was priced at $46,285 and featured a stylish Abyss Blue Pearl exterior with Java Brown leather interior, offering a more upscale feel than typical Subarus.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. It featured a wide grille, sleek LED headlamp arrays, and an assertive stance. The sliding side doors were sculpted with a body line that bulged over the rear wheels, requiring innovative hinge and slide designs. Alloy wheels ranged from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim, and the rear design maintained a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, with a bridge design providing additional storage space. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering sliding captain’s chairs or a bench seat, enhancing the minivan's utility and comfort.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive (AWD). It delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing good acceleration for its size. However, it was a thirsty powertrain, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with slow and numb steering, and the suspension struggled with undulating road surfaces. The CVT, while decent, produced uneven power delivery and unpredictable performance, especially in traffic. The shifter felt cheap, and the vehicle rolled significantly when parked on a hill without the parking brake engaged. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled on smooth freeways and off-road, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a less responsive throttle and a droning acceleration. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) offered some customization, with "Sport" providing a slightly livelier experience. The Sienna's handling was significantly improved over its predecessor, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, highway, and combined, and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable with a manual thigh support extension, and the armrests were densely padded. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but was high enough off the floor. The dashboard featured a useful shelf and upscale ambient lighting, though the control panel appeared dated. Storage options included a center bin, door panel bins, armrest bins, and a glove compartment. The Ascent could be configured with a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter available on Premium and Limited trims. The third-row seat was relatively comfortable, with easy access and acceptable space for shorter trips. Cargo space was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible second-row configuration. Cargo space measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with a Starlink infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security connected services. The Touring trim featured a high-resolution screen and navigation. The system had stereo knobs for tuning and volume, but the voice-control system was outdated and unresponsive. The navigation system occasionally misplaced the vehicle's location, causing frustration. Bluetooth pairing and music streaming were easy, and the Harman Kardon speakers provided rich sound quality. USB ports were available in all three rows, but a wireless smartphone charging pad was missing. The Ascent Touring offered a 180-degree front camera view and a 180-degree rear camera view, but lacked a top-down 360-degree view camera and front parking sensors. The PIN Code Vehicle Access system was a standout feature, allowing secure access without the key fob.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. Connectivity features included a year’s trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo on the LE to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers on Limited and Platinum trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on XLE and above. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims offered a digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility when the rear view was obstructed. Remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard, upgraded to the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on Subaru’s latest global platform, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It featured EyeSight, Subaru’s suite of camera-based advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited trim included LED steering-responsive headlights with automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected indicators onto the windshield, enhancing driver awareness. A rear-seat reminder system was standard, and Starlink Safety Plus connected services were free for three years, with an optional Security Plus upgrade providing additional features.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was also standard. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) were standard. The spare tire location was changed for safety and convenience. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 Sienna were not yet available, but the 2020 model received high ratings from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.