2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Buick Enclave

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 also showed its age, 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 was 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 2021 Buick Enclave, a large SUV, aimed to recapture Buick's former glory. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, competing with higher-priced three-row SUVs from mainstream brands and lower-priced luxury models. The Enclave's Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, though the wood was not genuine.

The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, except for the fussy electronic transmission shifter. The Avenir trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a basic massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a stylish center console. The Enclave offered seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The third-row seat was roomy and accessible, and the Enclave provided 23.6 cubic feet of space behind it, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

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, which was rarely used, and a 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 AWD versions were limited to a 7-passenger configuration.

The Sienna's FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD versions returned 18/24/20. In combined city and highway driving, the observed fuel economy was 18.3 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to surprisingly decent handling dynamics, providing a smooth ride and confidence in various driving conditions. However, its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention to keep the van moving straight on the highway.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave offered a choice between FWD and AWD. The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. The Enclave's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, providing a smooth and comfortable ride in various driving environments. The steering assist effort levels and brake pedal response were well-calibrated, though a quicker steering response would have been appreciated. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and the observed fuel economy was 21.2 mpg. With a 21.7-gallon fuel tank, the Enclave could travel up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan, and Kia Sedona. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench seat. 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 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, providing ample room for six people (seven if needed) and a quiet, comfortable cabin. The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a basic massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a stylish center console. The Enclave offered seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The third-row seat was roomy and accessible, and the Enclave provided 23.6 cubic feet of space behind it, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

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 offered additional features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, good voice recognition, and a simple user interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and it lacked Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was also less impressive compared to competitors.

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 top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but received four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.