2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that introduced 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 to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a DVD entertainment system. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those wanting a "cooler" minivan.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the boxy, rugged design reminiscent of the 2016 LR4. It featured squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and roundish headlights, making it a classic yet purposeful vehicle. The Defender retained some quirky design elements, like step plates and a three-piece ladder, though these were more for show than function. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and an optional center jump seat. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The design focused on durability and ease of use, with simple controls and a new infotainment interface. Cargo space varied, with the two-door 90 offering 16 cubic feet and the four-door 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded.

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 power was routed to the front wheels, with an optional AWD available for all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base providing decent handling dynamics. However, its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with its performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The mild-hybrid system ensured consistent power and quick engine restarts. The Defender's initial throttle application was lazy, but in sport mode, it launched aggressively. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Defender excelled off-road, with Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension providing exemplary performance. It could handle steep angles and deep water, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains. The Defender's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering, generous suspension lean, and deep-stomping brakes.

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 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, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing these capabilities.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and ease of use. The two-door 90 and four-door 110 offered flexible seating configurations, with the 90 fitting up to six people and the 110 offering an optional third row for seven seats. The interior was austere but functional, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo space varied, with the 90 offering 16 cubic feet and the 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's ladder made it easy to access the roof, and it had an impressive towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

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. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim also included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It had two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was simpler, with a grayscale theme and thin type. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground underneath the front hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and 360-degree cameras. Higher trims offered additional luxuries like a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, 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 top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts for passing cars or cyclists when exiting the vehicle.