2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of 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 and easy to use but contributed to the overall dated feel. The Sienna offered various 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 dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing style.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, based on the Impreza hatchback, aimed to capture the crossover market with its rugged looks, AWD, and tall driving position. The Crosstrek featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and an 8.7-inch ground clearance. It rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other models like the Legacy/Outback and Forester, offering a polished and refined design. The interior, similar to the Impreza, was functional but plain, with some questionable design choices like clashing color accents. The Crosstrek Sport trim added water-repellant StarTex upholstery, enhancing its practicality for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Crosstrek offered a six-speed manual transmission on Base and Premium trims, with a CVT available as an option and standard on Sport and Limited trims. All trims featured standard AWD with torque vectoring and X-Mode for loose surfaces. The Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with noticeable body roll due to its higher center of gravity, but it offered a comfortable ride and low wind noise. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was evident.

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 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, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. It provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While competitive against other small crossovers in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged in cargo space compared to models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system, a handy cubby hole for phones, and decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. However, it lacked rear USB ports, limiting convenience for rear-seat passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like 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 Subaru Crosstrek used Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player. The top Limited trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. Subaru also included a second screen above the main touchscreen for additional information. The Crosstrek's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), 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 tests and top ratings from the IIHS for its crashworthiness and driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021, earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award. CVT-equipped Crosstrek models featured standard EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. EyeSight's cameras, mounted behind the windshield, were well-protected but could be blocked by wipers or direct sunlight.