2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated into a panel featuring the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors that were sculpted to enhance the vehicle's look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its visual appeal, while the rear maintained a wide and low appearance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed with storage and cupholders, and the second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a sight for sore eyes after a week in a Dodge Grand Caravan, offering a plush and roomy interior. However, it struggled to accommodate six passengers and their luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, featured a chrome grille, 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, giving it a bold presence. Despite its size, the Expedition's cargo space was limited, especially with the captain's chairs configuration. The interior, while luxurious, had reminders of its origins with hard plastics. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and the leather-lined cabin served well for passengers, though the Lincoln Navigator offered a more refined experience.

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. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. The hybrid system delivered impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and AWD models slightly lower. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll.

The 2021 Ford Expedition boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim offering 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and options for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Expedition excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. Despite its size, the Expedition accelerated impressively, though the ride quality was affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels. The SUV averaged 17.1 mpg in testing, with official ratings at 19 mpg combined for 4WD models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, enhancing access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all doors. The Sienna could carry a full 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, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, while comfortable, struggled with cargo space in the regular-length model. The Expedition MAX offered more room, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and the power-deploying running boards aided entry. The cargo floor's high liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items. The Expedition's interior provided ample storage for small items, though the cargo space was less than most minivans.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect trials, and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the driver benefited from a multi-information display and optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while aging, provided essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless charging. An available rear-seat entertainment system offered dual screens and various inputs. The voice recognition system was enhanced but required specific commands for complex tasks.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It included 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system. The Sienna's crash-test ratings were pending, but the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower for RWD models. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system were available on higher trims.