2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, 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 Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat outdated, with a hollow "thud" from the front doors and an instrument panel reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and a WiFi hotspot. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was a critical feature for families. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark cues and a luxurious interior. The cabin, with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, exuded opulence, though the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems.

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 stout acceleration and a Sport mode for livelier throttle response. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive version achieved 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive variant returned 18/24/20. Despite its minivan status, the Sienna handled surprisingly well, with a low center of gravity and broad base. However, its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered various powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, aided by Terrain Response 2 traction control. Its adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering was relatively slow and syrupy. The Range Rover achieved 20 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

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's Auto Access Seat provided mobility access features, making it an affordable option for those needing such capabilities.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seating. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate provided 25 cubic feet of luggage volume, and a button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system, allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during activities. The iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual, aiding in navigating the complex infotainment system.

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 various crash tests. The Sienna's safety features received a Superior rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.