2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, integrated into a panel with a prominent Toyota logo, gave it a modern look. The side profile featured assertive lines, with reworked sliding doors that added a sculpted touch. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its stance. The rear design maintained a wide and low look, with Toyota's signature quality fit and finish.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, avoiding the typical minivan feel. The seating position was higher than a sedan's, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console, with its smart storage solutions, added to the convenience. The second and third rows provided ample comfort, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its value, offering features that seemed to justify a higher price tag. It came with a choice of two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, giving each trim a unique character. Inside, new colors, patterns, and textures elevated the Santa Fe's appeal. The bridge-style center console housed electronic transmission controls and other settings, adding a high-tech touch.

The Calligraphy trim, with its premium leather and panoramic sunroof, exuded quality. The interior's fit and finish, along with the solid action of the controls, reinforced the impression of value. The exterior design, while fitting in with Hyundai's lineup, had some discordant elements that might not appeal to everyone.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna's CVT, while efficient, lacked the punch of a conventional transmission, but selectable drive modes offered some flexibility. Handling was improved with new suspension and steering systems, and the Sienna achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 226 horsepower. The Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter focusing on fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration and impressive handling, with a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row seat that folded into the floor and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage space. 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 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 added to the family-friendly features.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, while lacking a third-row seat, offered ample passenger room and comfort. Dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric were standard, with leather available on higher trims. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.1 cubic feet with the seat folded, accommodating a family's needs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Standard connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and an 8.5-inch Head-Up Display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen offered wired versions and upgraded voice-recognition technology. The Harman Kardon surround-sound system was available with the larger screen. Blue Link connected services were free for three years, offering a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control. The Santa Fe also included Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, 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, with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were not yet available, but the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring to prevent opening doors into traffic. The rear-occupant alert system detected movement inside the vehicle, alerting parents via a smartphone app. Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed camera views in the instrument cluster. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS with LED projector headlights.