2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update to incorporate newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel also appeared outdated, resembling something from Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this simplicity made the controls easy to use.

The Sienna offered various trims, including L, LE, SE, SE Premium, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, and Limited Premium. The base L trim came well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, five USB ports, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added dual power sliding doors and easy-clean upholstery, while the SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate. Higher trims like the SE Premium and Limited added luxury features such as a power moonroof, leather-trimmed seating, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, was visually and dimensionally identical to its gasoline-powered counterpart. The hybrid featured blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" designations on the A-pillars and tailgate. The interior remained largely unchanged, with the same dash and multi-function center console. The gear shifter was replaced with a push-button gear selector, and paddle shifters adjusted brake regeneration aggressiveness. The instrument panel displayed information related to the vehicle's driving modes: Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport.

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 available for more responsive throttle and shift response. The Sienna had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling dynamics, although its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor. This system produced a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid was EPA-rated at 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, significantly better than the gasoline model's 27/32/29. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was competitive but ranked third among hybrid competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. The CR-V Hybrid offered a smooth ride and good steering feel, with the AWD system providing on-demand torque for a more enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. This was more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan, and Kia Sedona. However, accessing this total cargo space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. 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 mobility conversions.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as the gasoline model, compromised on cargo capacity due to the battery pack beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet when folded flat. Despite this reduction, the CR-V Hybrid still provided more cargo space than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading and offered more passenger space than its direct competitors. The configurable center console bin added to its practicality, although the armrest's adjustability could be too loose.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other 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, making it easier to communicate with rear passengers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims like the EX added a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top-of-the-line Touring trim included navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system could be frustrating to use, with overly complicated procedures for simple tasks like turning off the automatic beep sound.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, 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 higher trims like the XLE and Limited. The Sienna earned five stars in crash testing by the NHTSA and received top scores from the IIHS in various crash tests.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, which included automatic braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.