2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the simplistic instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was typical of compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with minor differences like the grille and chromed plastic elements. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery. While not a standout in terms of aesthetics, the CR-V provided a comfortable and functional interior, with features like wood panels and chrome accents available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version provided the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, available on all trims except the base L, offered 18/24/20 mpg. 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.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. The CR-V offered FWD as standard, with AWD as an option. Its unitized body structure and suspension setup, common in this class, ensured decent handling and ride quality. While not a performance standout, the CR-V delivered predictable cornering and steady acceleration, suitable for everyday driving.

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 could be cumbersome with the bench option. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. 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 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V offered various tailgate options, from manual to hands-free, depending on the trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear, making it a practical choice for families and those needing ample cargo space.

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

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger, adding to the CR-V's tech-savvy appeal.

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. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS in several crash tests. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims but standard on the XLE and Limited.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, with advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's comprehensive safety package made it a standout in its class, though the base LX lacked blind-spot monitoring.