2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite updates in 2018 to include newer infotainment technology, the 2020 version still felt somewhat outdated. The vehicle occasionally exuded an upscale vibe, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the dated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, detracted from its modernity. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a DVD entertainment system. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup as a three-row SUV. It shared design elements with the Forester and Outback, scaled up to accommodate three rows. The cabin mirrored other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for buyers. The Ascent offered trims from Standard to Touring, each adding more features like larger touchscreens, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems. The Touring trim stood out with second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, making it a well-rounded choice for families seeking comfort and convenience.

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 towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive configuration provided the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive 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, although its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through a continuously variable transmission to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent excelled in comfort and responsiveness, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode system enhancing its capability in snow and light off-roading. It was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist, making it a versatile choice for families with towing needs.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. This class-leading capacity came at the cost of having to remove the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than with a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but accessing 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 needing additional accessibility.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While not the largest in its class, the Ascent offered a power liftgate and seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent also featured an impressive 19 cupholders and numerous storage options throughout the cabin.

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 with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the vehicle's speakers, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with logical menu layouts and large icons. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing a comprehensive suite of technology for passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, featuring 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 from the NHTSA and a top rating of Good from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated Superior.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite, which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. EyeSight also featured a helpful alert for when the vehicle in front moved away. The Ascent offered optional safety features like reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.