2021 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated. The vehicle occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, detracted from its modernity. However, the simplicity of the controls made them easy to use. The Sienna was available in various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each offering a range of features like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment options. The SE trim was particularly recommended for its power rear liftgate, a crucial feature for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs. Its distinctive styling included unique window lines and rear door handles. Most trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model boasting 18-inch matte-black wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offered features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, and heated front seats. While not luxurious, the HR-V's interior was solid and practical.

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) version returned slightly lower figures. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, although its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds. Safety features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Honda HR-V featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While AWD was available, the HR-V's powertrain was underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was ineffective. However, the HR-V's chassis offered a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrain, and it lacked towing capability.

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. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Honda HR-V impressed with its cargo space, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. It provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models) and 24.3 cubic feet with the seats up. The HR-V led the segment in rear-seat legroom, although front-seat legroom and headroom were average. While lacking clever interior storage solutions, the HR-V's controls were sensibly designed, with large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim 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 raising their voice.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim offered standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. While the infotainment system was plain but functional, the optional 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than many competitors' offerings.

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 in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Honda Sensing safety features were available on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.