2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Buick Envision

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. Toyota's designers gave it a more SUV-like appearance, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel with the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance with sculpted sliding doors and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. The rear design included a large window, maintaining a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring a gear selector, cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering flexible seating configurations.

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance with premium crossover styling. It featured three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim offering upgraded exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch pearl nickel wheels. The interior of the Avenir trim included unique trim patterns, leather-appointed seating, and a head-up display. The Envision's cabin design was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack housing the infotainment screen and climate controls. However, the use of piano black plastic on the dashboard and center console attracted dust, detracting from the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, resulted in a less responsive throttle. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable ride. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a power downgrade from the previous model, the Envision's weight reduction of 200 to 300 pounds improved fuel efficiency. FWD was standard, with AWD available. The Envision's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for FWD models, and 22/29/25 mpg for AWD models. The Envision's drivability was comfortable but not particularly engaging, with noticeable engine and road noise. The drive mode selector included a Sport mode, which altered the revs but did not significantly enhance the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Buick Envision, despite its aesthetic improvements, offered less interior space than its predecessor. The front row had reduced headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, while rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger's access to climate controls and the infotainment screen. Small-item storage was typical for the segment, and the Envision's seats were comfortable but not exceptional. Forward visibility was a challenge for shorter drivers, necessitating reliance on parking sensors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity options included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display, with a 10-inch color Head-Up Display available on Platinum trims. A digital rearview mirror was also available, enhancing visibility when the rear view was obstructed.

The 2021 Buick Envision's standout tech feature was its standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which was responsive and cleanly displayed necessary functionalities. The driver information display was available in 4.2-inch and 8.0-inch sizes. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, and wireless device charging. However, the driver-centric design limited the front passenger's access to the infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was also standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were not yet available, but the 2020 Sienna received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included Buckle to Drive, following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, rear-seat alert, automatic emergency braking, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models. The Envision did not feature GM's Super Cruise or lane-centering technology.