2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. 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 practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows provided ample comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to configure space as needed.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson, while not as futuristic as its successor, offered a more conventional and upright design that provided a commanding view of the road. Inside, the Tucson featured a modern and attractive dash design with tech features seamlessly integrated. The base SE trim included 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like LED headlight accents, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport trim included 19-inch wheels and a hands-free power liftgate, while the Limited and Ultimate trims offered leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as 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, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna featured four selectable drive modes and improved handling thanks to its new suspension system. Its EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models rated at 35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter engine available on higher trims, making 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at higher speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance. The Tucson offered a comfortable and refined ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

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 could slide 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 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the compact SUV segment, it offered adequate space for weekend trips. The Tucson's front seats provided solid headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seating. The rear seats were less spacious but still accommodating for adults. The cabin featured plenty of cubbies and compartments, with helpful trays for the driver.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. It offered various connectivity trials, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trims, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and hard buttons for backup. Available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also had the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, and similar performance was expected for the 2021 model.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, a 360-degree parking monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned five stars from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS.