2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by an overall sense of age. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, were notable drawbacks. However, the simplicity of the controls made them easy to use. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a DVD entertainment system in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim, with its more powerful engine, AWD, and a host of premium features, came with a hefty price tag of $40,040. However, Chevrolet often offered significant rebates and incentives. The Equinox Premier boasted a clean design with 19-inch wheels, roof rails, and extra chrome detailing. Inside, the high-contrast cabin featured Jet Black and Brandy leather, a panoramic sunroof, and polished metallic accents. Despite these upscale touches, the presence of hard and shiny plastic detracted from the overall feel. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, which was rarely used but could be helpful for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's FWD version returned 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 surprisingly decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.0-liter turbo engine with 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 1.5-liter engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate performance and averaged 24.3 mpg with AWD. The 2.0-liter engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered better performance and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, averaging 22.1 mpg. Both versions had firm, connected ride qualities, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels providing a more athletic feel on winding roads. The Equinox exhibited a flat cornering attitude, well-controlled body motions, and natural steering and braking response.

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 could be cumbersome with the bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox provided a comfortable interior with options for cloth or leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom in the rearmost position. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Equinox featured ample storage throughout the cabin, including a large center console storage bin and various bins, trays, and cubbies.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Sienna also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, all including Bluetooth pairing for two devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, cloud connectivity, improved voice recognition, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was available on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top ratings from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a safe following distance monitor, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a reversing camera, rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Equinox earned top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.