2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

From the side, the 2020 Toyota Highlander was designed to blend easily into the crowd. However, Toyota made several subtle adjustments compared to the previous model. The tailgate glass had a slightly more slanted angle, and the body panels featured more distinct creases that traced pronounced arcs around the front and rear fenders. Toyota's signature trapezoidal theme could be seen in various design elements, like the license plate cutout on the tailgate, the rear bumper with an optional silver-painted section, slimmer headlights, the grille, and the lower front bumper. Every trim except the base L sported projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, while the higher trims—Limited and Platinum—boasted elegant LED running lamps. The introduction of large 20-inch wheels was exclusive to these top trims. Among new paint colors, the Blueprint on the Limited test car stood out as particularly striking.

The Highlander’s interior received noteworthy attention, where quality fit and finish were evident. Silver-painted accents adorned the armrests, three-spoke steering wheel, and chunky gear selector. An 8-inch touchscreen perching above a multi-layered dash, with polished black plastic climate controls, floated seamlessly into the design. The Limited trim showcased a three-tone interior palette, with brown on the upper dash, lower dash, and door panels; beige on the seats, center console, and middle dash; and black on the steering wheel and footwells. Padded surfaces and rich textures dominated the cabin, except for the middle sections of the door panels. Unlike competitors like the Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot, the Highlander offered unparalleled interior quality comparable only to the Kia Telluride. The Platinum trim featured an exclusive leatherette with perforated texture and diamond quilting on the seat backrests. While the exterior styling may not have been as inviting, the Highlander excelled in interior comfort and quality.

Minivans have seldom been considered fashion icons, but Toyota's designers aimed to change that narrative with the 2021 Sienna Hybrid. Styled to appear more SUV-like, the Sienna featured a wide grille emphasizing its width and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a single panel that proudly housed the Toyota logo. From the side, it exhibited an assertive stance, thanks to sliding side doors re-engineered to swoop up from the rocker panels and bulge over the rear wheels. This distinct design required innovative hinge and slide mechanisms to tuck the door neatly, presenting a sophisticated look. The alloy wheels ranged from 17-inch on LE and XLE to 18-inch or even 20-inch on higher trims like XSE FWD and Platinum FWD. Finishes varied in brightness and metal darkness, depending on the grade, and from the rear, the Sienna maintained a wide, low profile with a big rear window.

Inside, horizontal lines emphasized width without leaning into a typical minivan bus-like feel. The seating position sat higher than a sedan’s but didn't quite reach full-size SUV command seating levels, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, highlighting controls on the upper part of the center stack below the infotainment screen. The center console cleverly bridged between the dashboard and a large storage compartment, providing additional storage space underneath—a handy spot for bags. Also highlighted was a nice, beefy leather-wrapped steering wheel and quality materials throughout. The second and third rows offered ample comfort, with the second-row’s sliding capability maximizing space and versatility.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Unlike competitors that opted for turbocharged four-cylinder engines, this large V6 provided brisk acceleration effortlessly. The engine, shared with the Lexus RX, functioned smoothly and almost silently at idle. The eight-speed automatic transmission effectively utilized the engine's 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, although it required a heavy foot for rapid acceleration. The Highlander may have sported a somewhat lazy character similar to a Mercedes V6, but it responded energetically when prompted.

However, the Highlander had its shortcomings. Loose steering required frequent adjustments to maintain center at highway speeds, and the soft suspension with excessive rebound didn’t offer the control expected from a vehicle on Toyota’s brand-new, stiffer chassis. Its somewhat buoyant ride, reminiscent of older Buicks, might have discouraged confidence when tasked with transporting a full load of passengers and cargo. Despite this, the Highlander's cushy, isolating driving experience was designed for comfort on long trips, fostering a calming environment.

AWD models on the Limited and Platinum trims included a plethora of enhancements like torque vectoring, which improved the vehicle's handling around turns. Selectable driving modes allowed drivers to adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and steering—though even the Sport mode didn't significantly rectify the vague steering feel. Fuel economy across the board was commendable, with the FWD delivering 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD managed 20/27/23. The Highlander hybrid achieved an impressive 36 mpg combined.

The 2021 Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, leveraging the company’s longstanding leadership in hybrid technology. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors generated a combined 243 horsepower. The FWD configuration was standard, with AWD available across all trims. An additional electric motor responsible for the rear axle drove the AWD system, eliminating the need for mechanical complexity.

Opting for an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Sienna delivered smooth and efficient power, enhancing fuel efficiency. However, throttle response felt somewhat muted, with the CVT droning rather than delivering punchy performance. Despite this, the four selectable drive modes, including “Sport,” offered slightly enhanced liveliness. Improved handling stemmed from the new TNGA front suspension and steering, along with an independent rear trailing arm suspension, lending the Sienna a composed and comfortable ride.

EPA fuel economy numbers were impressive. The FWD Sienna Hybrid models reached 36 mpg across city, highway, and combined driving, while the AWD models closely followed with 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Highlander seated up to eight passengers—or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs standard on Limited and Platinum trims. Versatility in the second row was a key selling point, offering generous legroom and adjustable fore/aft settings. Ergonomics were thoughtfully considered, making ingress and egress exceptionally easy without the need to step up or duck down. The three-zone climate control system was standard, with upper trims featuring a 120-volt outlet, side window shades, and heated second-row seats. The panoramic moonroof was exclusive to the Platinum trim.

Cargo capacity was generous, providing 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48 cubic feet behind the second, and a substantial 84 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. Practical storage solutions included eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and dash-integrated shelves for larger items. Controls were simple and analog, while the infotainment system was user-friendly albeit in need of a software update for better functionality.

The 2021 Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, vital for minivan families. A third-row 60/40-split bench seat folded seamlessly into the floor, and the second row could slide up to 25 inches, improving access to the third row. Ample storage solutions abounded, with each seat row featuring cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders. In total, the cabin boasted an impressive 16 cupholders.

Cargo handling was equally exceptional, with the ability to carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside. Cargo space varied with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 101 cubic feet behind the first row, adjustable depending on second-row positioning. The hybrid battery cleverly positioned beneath the front seats didn’t impact cargo space, and the battery’s warranty ensured it remained trouble-free for most ownership periods. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with kick-open/close functionality added significant family-friendly convenience.

Despite its 2020 redesign, the Highlander’s infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The maps lacked detail and onboard apps required a slow, cumbersome connection process. This issue extended to the 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum. Limited functional area dampened the user experience, even when utilizing Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Amazon Alexa integration. However, the 10-inch head-up display and the 7-inch instrument cluster display provided crisp, useful information.

Semi-automated driving assistance and adaptive cruise control were very adept at tracking lane markings and managing traffic flow. Additional conveniences across upper trims included a JBL audio system, SiriusXM, HD radio, and WiFi connectivity, as well as numerous USB ports and a one-year subscription to Safety Connect.

Technological integration in the 2021 Sienna was comprehensive. A standard nine-inch touchscreen graced all trim levels with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity options covered numerous bases: Bluetooth hands-free, audio streaming, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered increased multimedia capabilities, including a Premium Audio + JBL upgrade with 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation.

A rear-seat entertainment system, optional on higher trims, included a 1080p widescreen display, remote, and wireless headphones. With four-sided doors sporting power operations, and the rear tailgate accessible via kick motions, the Sienna was advanced in practicality.

Driver aids included a color multi-information display in the instrument panel, available in different sizes depending on the trim. High-end features like a 10-inch head-up display, available digital rearview mirror, and smart key entry significantly elevated the driving experience.

The 2020 Highlander came loaded with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, unifying a suite of advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. Standard airbags covered the front knee area and included a special cushion airbag for the front passenger.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Highlander earned a 2020 Top Safety Pick for top ratings across six crash tests, optional headlights, and effective emergency braking in avoiding cars and pedestrians.

Safety in the 2021 Sienna was uncompromised. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 delivered comprehensive driver assistance, including full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alerts, lane tracing assist, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Standard safety measures also featured the Star Safety System, enhanced with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes, among others.

Ten airbags and LATCH connectors were widespread, especially essential for families with multiple child seats. The rear-seat reminder system prevented instances of overlooked children, while the tire pressure monitoring system ensured optimal road safety.

NHTSA and IIHS ratings for 2021 models were pending, however, the 2020 Sienna achieved commendably high safety ratings, suggesting confidence in the new model's safety performance.