2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2021 Toyota Sienna attempted to revolutionize the traditional image of minivans. Toyota's design efforts focused on imparting a more SUV-like appearance to the Sienna. The wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays integrated into a sleek panel housing the Toyota logo contributed to a contemporary look. The side profile featured assertive lines, with a particularly impressive reengineered sliding side door design that curved smoothly over the rear wheels. The array of alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches across different trims enriched its aesthetic appeal. Even from the rear, the Sienna maintained a broad and low stance, accentuated by a sizable rear window. Inside, the styling pivoted around horizontal lines, emphasizing width. Though it did not completely mimic an SUV feel, it avoided the traditional minivan resemblance. A higher seating position provided a comfortable ride, complemented by a clean, uncluttered dashboard and a practical center console with abundant storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3 inherited the refined design blueprint of its preceding generation, introduced in 2018 with updates in 2020. The exterior mirrored a downsized BMW X5, a testament to its luxury lineage. The cold, mechanical interior styling aligned uniformly with BMW’s model lineup. Although it did not outshine the aesthetic richness of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3’s interior emphasized functionality with well-organized dials and buttons. This design ethos extended across its trims, including the base sDrive30i and xDrive30i, and stretched up to the more performance-focused M40i trim, each featuring unique exterior and interior refinements.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna marked Toyota’s foray into hybrid minivans, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive came standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims via an additional electric motor powered rear wheel setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled CVT that, while efficient, lacked the spirited throttle response of traditional transmissions. Nonetheless, selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, Sport) allowed flexibility. The incorporation of TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension significantly enhanced handling, minimizing body roll and promoting a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was stellar with 36 mpg for front-wheel drive and 35 mpg for all-wheel drive models in city/highway/combined measurements.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered varied powertrain options across its trims. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid xDrive30e upped the ante with 288 horsepower, delivering brisk acceleration and a 17-mile electric-only range. Charging this hybrid took approximately 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger. For performance enthusiasts, the M40i’s 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six provided robust acceleration and enhanced cornering abilities. At the pinnacle, the 473-hp X3 M catered to drivers needing high performance combined with family-space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in providing functional convenience along with its family-centric design. The minivan featured a third row as standard across all trims, configuring into a 60/40-split bench stowed easily into the floor. The second row’s ability to slide up to 25 inches made third-row access seamless. The cabin boasted ample storage with 16 cupholders and strategic bottle holders across all side doors. Cargo handling was impressive, with the ability to accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Standard cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Towing capacity reached up to 3,500 pounds. Despite housing a significant 288-volt Ni-MH battery pack under the front seats, cargo space remained uncompromised.

In comparison, the 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with folded rear seats, which, though smaller than the Sienna, topped the small luxury SUV segment. When rear seats were in use, it still offered 28.7 cubic feet. Standard power liftgate and optional hands-free operation added convenience. Interior space was generous, supplying ample head and legroom for front occupants and adult-friendly rear seating. The straightforward arrangement of dials and buttons complemented ease of use for the driver and front passenger.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed numerous standard and available technology features across its trims. A nine-inch touchscreen came standard, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity included standard Safety Connect and Remote Connect trials, extended Service Connect, and an AT&T WiFi Connect trial. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system in the LE trim to a 12-speaker JBL premium system on Limited and Platinum, with available upgrades. Notable driver tech included a color multi-information display and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display on the Platinum trim, providing extensive vehicle metrics and navigation information.

In the 2021 BMW X3, technological engagement was centered around a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen running the intuitive iDrive infotainment system. The duality of touch and dial operations catered to diverse user preferences. Standard Apple CarPlay and optional Android Auto were noteworthy, with supplementary options like wireless device charging and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo enhancing the tech offering. Innovative additions like optional gesture control provided a hands-free interaction layer, albeit susceptible to misfires during animated conversations.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as a standard suite, encompassing dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and more. Additional safety equipment included the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and a rear-seat reminder system. The spare tire position was optimized for ease and safety during roadside changes. Although crash-test ratings for 2021 were pending, prior models had received commendable safety scores from both IIHS and NHTSA.

For the 2021 BMW X3, standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display allowed buyers to enhance their safety tech suite.