2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells accommodating bulky off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a non-functional element, was one of the few visual cues denoting its off-road-focused TRD trim. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with twin body-color bars on most trims, while the TRD Pro had blacked-out accents. The Limited trim boasted bright chrome accents. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade Special Edition and Venture Special Edition adding a stealth aesthetic. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and assertive stance added to its appeal. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual presence. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered on the center stack. The center console featured a gear selector lever, cup holders, and a storage compartment, forming a bridge between the dash and storage. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was not designed for efficiency but for durability and off-road capability, offering a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's fuel economy was poor, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. Its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select made it excel off-road. The 4Runner's full-time 4WD system was better suited for maintaining forward progress, while the part-time system in TRD models handled more challenging terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. It featured four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling improved significantly with new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Its EPA fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, highway, and combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Its interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen and steering wheel controls. The tall seating position provided a commanding view, though power-retractable running boards were necessary for easier access. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, best suited for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third row and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. Its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendliness.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It included Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone-based systems. While the 4Runner had advanced off-road features, its technology offerings lagged behind competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trims, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. A digital rearview mirror was available, enhancing visibility when the cabin was full.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it scored lower in rollover tests. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crash tests, with a "Marginal" score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and more. It included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, with LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.