2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that exuded a quiet confidence with its understated design. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were practical, enhancing the driver's visibility. The fenders, slightly bulging, provided both functional space for wheel travel and a visual cue of the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim and bronze BBS wheels, making it ready for adventure. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The center stack was filled with controls for everything from navigation to traction settings, while the instrument panel featured classic analog gauges. Overall, the interior was comfortable and functional, though it lacked a bit of excitement.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, felt somewhat dated. The third-generation minivan had a hollow sound when the doors were closed, hinting at its age. The instrument panel seemed like a relic from 2010, though its simplicity made it user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium. Each trim added features like dual power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The SE trim was recommended for its practicality, especially the power liftgate. The Sienna also offered a Nightshade Edition for those wanting a minivan with a bit of style. Despite its age, the Sienna provided a range of features catering to families and those seeking a practical vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its capability and confidence, powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, made it a formidable vehicle both on and off the road. Its fuel economy was modest, with an EPA estimate of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was further enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles. The Multi-Terrain Select control and Crawl Control systems ensured it could handle any terrain with ease. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and a commanding driving position.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a Sport mode for more spirited driving. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being a unique selling point in its class. The FWD Sienna achieved better fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to its surprisingly decent handling, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds. This required constant attention to keep the van on course, but the Sienna's safety features helped mitigate this concern.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both urban commuting and overland adventures. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it ready for rugged terrain. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, with heated second-row seats that could slide, recline, fold, and tumble for versatile interior space. The third row folded 50/50, and a full-size spare tire was concealed beneath the cargo floor. The Land Cruiser boasted four-zone automatic climate control and numerous cup holders, with a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing accessibility options.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, despite its older platform, featured modern technology like a Qi-compatible inductive charging station. It came with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers, navigation, and a 9-inch touchscreen. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The touchscreen also served as the display for the Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera, useful for navigating tight spaces.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support. It also offered Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker audio system. The Sienna featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers, showcasing Toyota's focus on family-friendly features.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust structure and advanced safety features provided peace of mind. It came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also featured 10 airbags, active headrests, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna earned high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, enhancing its safety credentials.