2021 Ford Bronco 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 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, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple but easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather-trimmed seating, and a JBL premium audio system. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing a "cool" look.

The 2021 Ford Bronco, inspired by the original 1966 model, embraced a "Retrofuturism" design, blending classic and modern elements. The Bronco featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and removable off-road sights. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, it offered a range of wheel and tire options, including 35-inch tires with the Sasquatch package. The Bronco's interior combined retro styling with modern technology, including a color touchscreen and digitized cluster. The rugged design extended to the interior, with reinforced heavy-use points and stretchy mesh door pockets.

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, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged inline-four with 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter engine came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which was also optional for the 2.3-liter. All Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires providing excellent traction and balance. On-road, the Bronco's ride was noisy and wiggly with the 35-inch tires, but the 2.7-liter engine and 10-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth power and eager 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 could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing these capabilities.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's designers focused on modularity, making the doors removable with dedicated storage bags and easy-to-use electrical connections. The Bronco featured standard under-chassis protection and removable fenders and bumpers for easy repair. The hood's trail sights doubled as tie-down points for roof-mounted cargo. Inside, the Bronco had a row of buttons for suspension settings and beefy toggle switches for auxiliary equipment, reflecting thoughtful design and problem-solving.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech 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 Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without straining their voice.

The 2021 Ford Bronco used the latest SYNC 4 infotainment interface with enhanced voice recognition. The base model had an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch touchscreen with the High Package. The Lux Package added a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated touchscreen navigation, and a wireless device charging pad. The Bronco also featured the G.O.A.T. system for off-road traction control, with up to seven drive modes available.

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.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's safety features varied by trim level. The Base model had airbags, while higher trims could add the Mid Package, including a reverse sensing system, Ford Co-Pilot 360, blind-spot information system, lane-keeping system, auto high-beam headlamps, and rear-view camera. The High Package added a 360-degree camera, forward-sensing system, and side-view mirror LED approach lamps. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations.