2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

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 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, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple but easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, sport instrumentation, and a power rear liftgate, which was deemed essential for families. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing a "cool" look.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX stood out for its styling, a significant improvement over the original Encore, which GM insiders nicknamed "the shoe." The Encore GX came in three trims: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package. Buyers could choose between FWD and AWD, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The 1.2-liter engine was exclusive to FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine was available with both FWD and AWD. The test model, an Essence trim with the 1.3-liter engine, included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite the high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners. The interior quality was on par with the small SUV segment, but the analog gauges and vibrating HUD detracted from the overall refinement.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured 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 enhanced throttle and shift response. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with Sport mode aiding in highway overtaking. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's FWD version returned 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, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds. Standard safety tech, including lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The 1.2-liter engine generated 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine produced 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine was available with both FWD and AWD. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality varied, feeling brittle over poorly maintained roads and bouncy over bumps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX handled well on narrow, winding roads, with controlled body roll and decent tire grip. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

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, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position and supportive front seats, though the back seat was less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. Interior storage was good, with 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. Despite these features, the rear seat lacked air conditioning vents, and the seatback shape was uncomfortable for longer trips.

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

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices simultaneously, Buick Connected Services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the optional Convenience Package. Despite these features, the test car lacked the available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface.

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 tests and top ratings from the IIHS in several areas, including side crash and rollover crash.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Select and Essence trims. Adaptive cruise control was available, though its performance was inconsistent. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but IIHS had not tested it.