2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 Sienna still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel seemed to come from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a DVD entertainment system.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation since 2017, featured a design that was both familiar and fun. Its exterior had a soft, curvy, car-like appearance, resembling Honda's sedan lineup. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with low-quality plastics. The base LX trim started at $26,270, with higher trims like the EX, EX-L, and Touring offering additional features. The CR-V's interior was roomy, with excellent seating positions and clever storage solutions, making it easy to live with.

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, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, making 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CR-V's CVT provided a quick and responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. The FWD CR-V models were rated at 30 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 29 mpg. The CR-V's low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its excellent acceleration, handling, and fuel economy.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. 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 Honda CR-V boasted excellent packaging, with a roomy cabin and clever storage solutions. The center console had a deep well with a sliding cover, inspired by the Honda Odyssey. The rear featured a two-position load floor, allowing for 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the 60-40 split rear seats folded. The CR-V's door pockets were also spacious, making it easy to store and access items. The CR-V's interior was designed for practicality and ease of use, making it a versatile choice for families.

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 passengers in the back.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with the base LX trim featuring a 5-inch screen with limited features. Higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, which still felt small compared to competitors. The CR-V's infotainment system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, providing better navigation than Honda's system. The CR-V EX trim and above had multiple USB ports, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

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

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing system as standard, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Automatic high beams were standard, while blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring were available on EX trims and above. The CR-V earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.