2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

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, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, retained design updates from 2017, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2021 lineup dropped the Premier trim, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT added heated mirrors, remote start, and upgraded seating. Styling packages like the Redline Edition and driver assistance features were available for the LT. The Trax's design updates and tech features made it a practical choice for urban driving.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version delivered 19 mpg city, 26 highway, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option returned 18/24 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds. Safety features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered FWD or optional AWD. The engine sufficed for city driving but struggled at highway speeds, making noise in the process. The Trax's firm ride was harsh over bumps, but its tight turning radius aided maneuverability in tight spaces. While rivals offered more comfortable rides, the Trax's engine was set for an upgrade in 2022, promising improved performance.

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 was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing accessibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided ample headroom and legroom in both rows, though rear seats lacked bolstering for long trips. The front featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for convenience. The Trax offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. These figures were average for the subcompact SUV segment, and the Trax lacked options for a power liftgate.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the rear speakers, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and an available WiFi hotspot. The system's user-friendly interface and standard tech features made it a highlight of the Trax.

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 top ratings from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five stars from the NHTSA but lacked a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera, with additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring available in the LT Convenience Package. However, it lacked many standard driver-assistance features found in rivals, such as forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning.