2021 Toyota 4Runner 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 incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple and easy to use but lacked modern flair. The Sienna's trims ranged from the base L to the Limited Premium, with each offering various features like 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years ago, maintained a rugged and timeless design. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded utility and balanced proportions. The 4Runner was available in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition. Our test vehicle, the Trail Special Edition, featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, and a custom-made 40-quart cooler. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design and functionality remained appealing to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV.

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, which was seldom used but could assist with its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to surprisingly decent handling dynamics, although its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were highlighted by its A-Trac off-road traction control system, which proved beneficial in challenging conditions. The 4Runner's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds. However, on-pavement performance felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with steering and braking requiring significant effort. The 4Runner's truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg during our test, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

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 also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter individuals, but once inside, the seats provided proper support and comfort. The back seat offered generous legroom, good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition's big roof rack and sliding cargo deck added to its practicality, making it suitable for various adventures.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features 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 Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without straining their voice.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also included SiriusXM satellite radio, five USB ports, and a year of free Safety Connect subscription services. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition, along with a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The physical shortcut buttons and knobs made the system easy to use, even while wearing gloves.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was available on lower trims and standard on higher trims like the XLE and Limited. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top ratings from the IIHS in various categories.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS. The roof crush strength received a top rating of "Good."