2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the simplistic instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition provided a stylish option for those prioritizing aesthetics.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to 2011. Its design drew connections to the Charger muscle sedan, but the decade-old platform was evident. The cabin, shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, felt outdated and in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year. The Durango offered trims from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each adding features like sport-inspired grilles, leather-and-suede upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems. The SRT trim stood out with its aggressive styling and performance-tuned suspension, appealing to those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive configuration provided the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive option, available on all trims except the base L, offered 18/24/20 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, while the SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, with Dodge SRT performance pages for detailed drive mode customization. The Durango's car-like handling and minimal body roll were surprising for a vehicle of its size.

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 accessing the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both rows down. While not class-leading, it offered ample usable space. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children. The Durango also featured multiple storage options, including a center console with cup holders in the second row.

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. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch screen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and a premium audio system. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate, and the R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a Superior rating from the IIHS for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Dodge Durango included front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on other trims. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star NHTSA rating and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.