2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

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 seemed to come from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding features like dual power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition aimed to add a touch of cool with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model. The Pacifica's interior was designed with family life in mind, offering a premium feel in higher trims like the Pinnacle. The dashboard housed a largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the Pinnacle trim featured upscale materials like quilted leather seats and wood accents. The doors closed with a commanding thud, and sound-deadening technology kept road noise at bay.

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. It offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna had a 3,500-pound towing capacity and offered AWD on all trims except the base L. The FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain with a combined 260 horsepower. The V6 engine was standard on the base Touring and Touring L trims, with AWD as an option. The Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system activated on-demand and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica returned 19 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined, with AWD versions dropping to 17/25/20.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than its competitors. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features like the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats were standard. The second- and third-row seats provided plenty of legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel a breeze.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard 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 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the navigation system was easy to use. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games for 2021. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it at the time of publication.