2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, as part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat outdated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its dated design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the simplistic instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts, 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 aimed to add a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, its exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot offered seven trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added blacked-out features and wireless charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather and red accents, provided a premium feel. However, the Pilot's design, both inside and out, often drew comparisons to a minivan, which did not always work in its favor.

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 its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's FWD provided the best fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned slightly lower figures. Its low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Honda Pilot also featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring AWD system. The Pilot's fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, achieving 22 mpg in combined driving. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

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 accessing the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The Pilot's cargo space was competitive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech included Bluetooth, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the speakers, a handy tool for parents.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. The Special Edition added wireless charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature enhanced family travel, though the infotainment system's usability had room for improvement.

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 top ratings from the IIHS for its crashworthiness and driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, it added blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas had room for improvement.