2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in 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, 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. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured a power rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and sport instrumentation. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing style. The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, launched in 2005 and in its second generation since 2014, received an interior and exterior refresh in 2018, which carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a defining feature of Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Trims ranged from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable front seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition featured a more powerful V8 engine and performance-oriented seats.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came 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 was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the 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 at higher speeds required constant attention. The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, found in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured the P400 powertrain, rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid producing 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 making 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had a more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive (4WD), with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various terrains.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. This was more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan, and Kia Sedona. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. 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 with specific needs. The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity from five to seven, but with only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, with the optional third row best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport combined space with luxurious appointments, making it a comfortable choice for passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims, like the Limited, added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with rear passengers. The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate and vehicle settings, while the upper screen housed the infotainment system. The system had a learning curve and was not always intuitive, but the pair of dials on the lower screen provided versatile control. The upper touchscreen had reasonably sized icons for easy navigation between menus and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite some usability issues, the system offered a real volume button and a range of functions.

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, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features. The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Other available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and park assist. A head-up display was also available.