2021 Subaru Outback 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 dated. The interior occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow sound of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel were reminders of its age. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna was available in several trims, from the base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each offering a range of features like alloy wheels, climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The SE trim was particularly recommended for its power rear liftgate, a crucial feature for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. While the base trim's dual 7-inch touchscreens were less appealing, the Premium and higher trims featured a more modern 11.6-inch display. The interior quality was a significant improvement over pre-2015 models, with substantial materials and comfortable seating. The Outback's exterior was practical, with high ground clearance and smooth styling. It offered a new paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights for 2021. The Outback's design remained consistent, emphasizing its identity as a lifted wagon, making it a unique alternative to typical crossovers and SUVs.

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 towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version delivered the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option slightly reduced these figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance. Subaru's AWD system was proactive, providing excellent off-road capability, especially with the X-Mode feature for challenging conditions.

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 offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, allowing it to tackle various terrains. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and excellent visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay, though the latter was a late addition compared to competitors. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system was a unique feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its functionality in certain conditions. The optional navigation system was more modern, and the single large screen on higher trims was more cohesive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS for crash safety and driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and additional airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims, while rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were standard on select models. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," with top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.