2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated. The vehicle occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts, detracted from its modernity. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna was available in various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each offering a range of features. The base L trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was a critical feature for families. The Limited trim added leather seats and a JBL premium audio system, while the Nightshade Edition offered a "cool" look with dark accents.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle design, with no gratuitous styling changes to differentiate it from other versions. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The PHEV model started at $79,000, with the test vehicle totaling $93,200 due to additional options like Firenze Red paint and 21-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the cabin was filled with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's price. However, the technology could be frustrating, with the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system occasionally behaving unexpectedly. Despite these challenges, the Range Rover Sport PHEV offered a luxurious and stylish experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was 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 a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, providing stout acceleration. It also had a manual mode, which was rarely used, but could assist with its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna primarily routed power to the front wheels, but AWD was available for all trims except the base L. The AWD option, however, limited seating to seven passengers. The FWD Sienna achieved 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 contributed to decent handling dynamics, although its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or excessive acceleration. The PHEV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a 6.5-mpg improvement over the previous year's model with a supercharged V6. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops challenging. The PHEV retained the standard model's off-roading capability, with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a permanent 4WD system.

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

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV, on the other hand, suffered from limited cargo space due to the battery beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing the standard version's 27.5-cubic-foot space. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport PHEV comfortably accommodated five passengers. Front-seat comfort was excellent, with heated and ventilated seats, though the narrow armrests were less comfortable. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position and 4-zone automatic climate control. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the interior.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. 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.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system could be frustrating, even for tech-savvy users. The system occasionally behaved unexpectedly, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the challenge. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport PHEV offered a clean and modern interior aesthetic, with easy access to primary stereo and climate functions.

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 from the NHTSA and a top rating of Superior from the IIHS for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driver-assistance systems, but the technology could be distracting. The steering-assist system, part of the optional Driver Assist Package, could induce head-toss, a phenomenon where passengers' heads waggle over uneven pavement. The lane-keeping assist system was also abrupt, leading to its deactivation during testing. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security.