2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda Pilot

Minivans traditionally struggled to be considered fashion-forward, but Toyota made a valiant effort to shift perceptions with the 2021 Sienna Hybrid. Even though the architectural confines of the minivan genre posed challenges, the vehicle showcased a more SUV-like stance at first glance. The wide grille, horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays, and assertive stance were notable in the Sienna's design. Toyota expended significant engineering resources to rework the sliding side doors, resulting in a sculpted look with a body line that swooped up from the rocker panels to bulge over the rear wheels. Depending on the trim, the Sienna was equipped with 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The rear of the vehicle carried a wide and low look, a feat seldom achieved by minivans. The exterior fit and finish were top-notch, exemplifying Toyota’s craftsmanship.

Inside, horizontal lines emphasized the width of the cabin, which didn't quite mimic an SUV but didn’t feel like a school bus either. The seating position provided a comfortable ride, perched higher than in a sedan and slightly lower than a full-size SUV. The dashboard was clean and uncluttered, with the main controls situated just below the infotainment screen on the center stack. The center console featured an intuitive gear selector lever, several pairs of cupholders, and a spacious storage compartment under the center armrest. This smartly designed console connected the dash and storage area, leaving a practical tray beneath for personal items. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium materials throughout the cabin added to its refined feel. The second and third-row seats offered ample comfort, with the second row sliding to optimize space and accessibility.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, underwent a series of design updates aimed at a more rugged exterior, including the 2019-model-year refresh and the 2020 Black Edition. The latter added a stylish blacked-out look but didn’t quite capture widespread acclaim, rendering the exterior design an acquired taste. The Pilot was available in seven versions, from the base LX to the upscale Elite and Black Edition, with a price range of $32,250 to $49,920. While the base models came with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive was optional in lower trims and standard in higher trims.

The Black Edition we tested came fully loaded, priced at $51,435 with a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint option. This model featured black leather upholstery with red-tinted seat inserts, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. Although stylish, the floor mats tended to attract and retain pet hair, a minor inconvenience for pet owners. Interior quality was high, even with the inclusion of hard plastic panels. The dashboard design and low center console gave the Pilot a minivan-like feel from the front seats, and the bland exterior did little to enhance its visual appeal.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid represented Toyota's foray into the hybrid minivan segment after a long wait. The Sienna's hybrid system, akin to the Highlander Hybrid’s setup, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, totaling 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive as standard and an all-wheel-drive option for all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, offering 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque without complicating the mechanical setup.

The Sienna came equipped with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which tended to blunt throttle response but contributed to smoother and more efficient power delivery. Four drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—allowed some degree of throttle customization, though "Sport" mode offered only a marginally livelier experience. The new TNGA platform, featuring a front suspension and steering setup coupled with independent rear trailing arm suspension, enhanced handling and reduced body roll, promising a comfortable and composed ride. The Sienna’s fuel economy stood out, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in city, highway, and combined driving, and AWD models obtaining 35/36/35 mpg combined.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This provided ample performance, characterized by smooth power delivery and rapid acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission managed power distribution to the front wheels in FWD models or to all four wheels in AWD variants. The Pilot’s torque-vectoring AWD system could channel up to 70 percent of the engine’s output to a single rear wheel, aided by a Hill Start Assist system and Intelligent Traction Management with modes for Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand.

Fuel efficiency measures, including variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, ensured respectable EPA estimates of 22 mpg in combined driving for AWD models. The Pilot averaged 21.5 mpg in real-world testing. The SUV’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension offered a balanced ride quality and sporty handling, complemented by the Black Edition’s 20-inch wheels and excellent visibility. The well-weighted steering and responsive braking enhanced the driving experience, though the brakes showed signs of wear with extended use. Off-road capabilities were limited due to the Pilot’s modest ground clearance and less aggressive all-season tires, making it suitable for light off-road situations rather than rugged terrains.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna are designed with convenience at the forefront. The Sienna excelled in this regard, offering a versatile cabin that accommodated both driver and passengers. The third-row bench seat folded away seamlessly into the floor, while the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches to facilitate easy access to the back. Storage was abundant, with multiple cubby spaces and cupholders (16 in total, 15 with the spare tire option). The Sienna also excelled in cargo flexibility, capable of carrying a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo space measurements stood at 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The cleverly placed 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack under the front seats ensured no compromise on cargo space, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. The Sienna boasted a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with kick motion sensors, adding a layer of family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered notable space and seating configurations for up to eight passengers when equipped with a second-row bench seat. Leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were a highlight, though the front passenger seat had only four-way adjustment compared to the driver’s 10-way power adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on higher trims, providing similar comfort to the front seats and the convenience of sliding forward for easier third-row access. The Elite and Black Edition trims featured additional side window shades, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Pilot’s third row offered passable comfort with a low and flat cushion, best suited for short trips or children. Storage was plentiful in door panels, the center console, and seatback pockets, which included smartphone holders. Higher trim levels added a power tailgate with hands-free operation, revealing 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded to 46.8 cubic feet and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet—sufficient for family road trips, albeit lower than the Sienna’s cargo capacity.

Toyota didn’t skimp on technology in the 2021 Sienna. A nine-inch touchscreen provided access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, accompanied by one USB media port and six USB charging ports throughout the cabin. Connectivity features included Safety Connect and Remote Connect on XLE and above (one-year trial), a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard across all trims. Qi-compatible wireless charging was standard on Limited and Platinum trims and optional elsewhere. A 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet was available on XLE and above.

Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on lower trims to a 12-speaker Premium Audio + JBL package with Dynamic Navigation in Limited and Platinum trims. The optional rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and two wireless headphones. The driver-centric tech included a color multi-information display (4.2-inch on lower trims, 7-inch on higher trims) and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display on Platinum models. A digital rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, and push-button start rounded out the list.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and a basic HondaLink connected services suite. The new Special Edition trim added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, advanced HondaLink subscription services, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system.

The infotainment system, though adequate, had its shortcomings—specifically a small screen, lack of a tuning knob, and rigid voice-recognition prompts. HondaLink subscription services were more available on higher trims. The Touring trim also included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet, HDMI port, and Cabin Talk, allowing drivers to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the stereo speakers. The entertainment system supported DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and streaming apps, offering flexibility for family use.

Safety was paramount in the 2021 Toyota Sienna, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite included features like 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 added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors in five or four locations, depending on the seating configuration. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring were standard. While 2021 crash-test ratings were unavailable, the 2020 model had received favorable ratings, including a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This package included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, a blind-spot monitoring/rear cross-traffic warning system was also included. Though effective, the system lacked the smoothness and refinement of newer iterations. Crash-test ratings were generally favorable, with the NHTSA awarding a five-star overall rating, except for four-star frontal passenger protection. The IIHS also gave it top marks, except for an “acceptable” rating in front passenger small overlap frontal impact and headlight ratings.