2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated 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 looked like it came 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 prioritizing a "cool" look.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia, giving it a timeless, utilitarian design. The flared wheel wells accommodated bulky off-road tires, and the short overhangs allowed it to tackle steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop on the TRD trim was one of its few non-functional elements. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade and Venture Special Editions adding blacked-out trim pieces. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen but still had plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

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 dash-mounted shifter had a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode and had a manual mode for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on 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, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, managed by a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was designed for lumbering rather than efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's fuel economy was poor, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and vague steering, making it feel like a blast from the past. The 4Runner was available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), with the latter being more suitable for off-roading.

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 good option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner had excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position, aided by power-retractable running boards on the Limited trim, provided a commanding view of the road. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but these were best for short and occasional use due to their lack of legroom and comfort. The third-row seats folded in a way that required them to be narrow and thin, making them less comfortable than those in competitors like the Subaru Ascent or Chevrolet Traverse.

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 like the Limited 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 straining their voice.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner finally received an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was easier to use than Toyota’s proprietary software, though the onboard navigation system was less efficient than Google Maps. The 4Runner also featured Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. Higher trims offered a JBL stereo and navigation system. However, the 4Runner still lagged behind competitors in total features and usability, with its top-of-the-line technology hidden in the powertrain rather than the dashboard.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), 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 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 in several areas, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner also benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It came with eight standard airbags. The 4Runner received four out of five stars overall from NHTSA but only three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it Good ratings in most crash tests but a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.