2021 Toyota Venza 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 added 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 looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury touches. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate, which was crucial for family use.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, shorter and closer to the ground than the RAV4, blurred the line between Toyota and Lexus with its upscale design. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the Venza came in seven paint colors. Standard features included a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model was well-equipped with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The XLE added black bumper garnishes and heated front seats, while the Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Star Gaze panoramic roof.

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 in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna had a 3,500-pound towing capacity and was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 18/24/20 mpg. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, but its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system used an electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) with a sequential-shifting feature for regenerative braking. The Venza's acceleration was smooth but noisy, with engine and road noise permeating the cabin. However, it handled confidently and achieved impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 40 mpg highway, 37 city, and 39 combined. Toyota backed the hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile Hybrid System warranty.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than 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, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing these capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Venza prioritized practicality with a unique cabin design featuring premium appointments. The center stack included piano black capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, a deep center console with various features, and a padded upholstery that felt luxurious in the Limited trim. The Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with more headroom than the RAV4 and nearly equal shoulder and hip room. It offered 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The quick-flip releases on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks made arranging the cargo space easy.

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 raising their voice.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE and XLE trims, while the Limited had a 12.3-inch touchscreen. All screens ran the Entune system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Standard entertainment features included AM/FM/HD Radio, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. A WiFi hotspot was also standard, with a free trial period. The Venza XLE and Limited offered a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, with dynamic navigation available on models with the larger screen.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, 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 testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, featuring a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with an upgrade to automatic braking available on the XLE and Limited trims. The Venza had two full sets of LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats. The safety features performed well, though the lane-keeping assist tended to keep the SUV further to the right within the lane.