2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts. Higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights. Inside, the 2020 Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus tech used infrared to detect and alert sleepy or distracted drivers, and it also employed facial recognition for driver settings.

The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645 for the 2.5i, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, added the 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Limited trim, at $33,445, included blind-spot monitoring and a power liftgate. The Touring trim, priced at $37,345, offered ventilated front seats and a sunroof. The new Onyx Edition XT, starting at $34,895, featured the turbo engine and off-road capabilities. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims added the turbo engine for $37,745 and $39,695, respectively.

Toyota aimed to change the minivan's image with the 2021 Sienna Hybrid, giving it an SUV-like appearance. The wide grille and LED headlamp arrays emphasized its width, while the sculpted sliding side doors and alloy wheels added to its assertive stance. The Sienna's rear design managed to look wide and low, with superb fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna focused on width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite as high as an SUV. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The center console featured a gear selector, cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback's approach, departure, and breakover angles were 18.6, 21.7, and 19.4 degrees, respectively, making it capable but not a Jeep.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna's CVT delivered power smoothly but lacked throttle response. Four drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) were available. The Sienna's handling improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. The big news was its fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, highway, and combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, except for a blind spot in the rear quarters. The Outback's design prioritized functionality, with a low load height and a lower center of gravity for better handling and braking.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The cabin had 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. 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 tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, adding to the family-friendly features.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but it suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The screen was large and easy to navigate, but the lag affected nearly every function, including navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also lacking, making the large screen's potential feel wasted.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with a nine-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect trials. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and, in Platinum trims, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models offered a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry was standard.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including AWD, but the DriverFocus system was problematic. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions. DriverFocus frequently issued false alerts, making it more of a distraction than a safety feature.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were not yet available, but the 2020 Sienna received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.