2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, integrated into a panel with the Toyota logo, gave it a modern look. The side profile featured assertive stances with sculpted sliding doors, and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its appeal. 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, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite as high as a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console was practical, featuring a gear selector, cup holders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe announced its presence with a unique sound, thanks to its pedestrian notification system when running on electric power. Visually, it was almost identical to a regular Wrangler, with the addition of a "4xe" badge and blue accents. The power port at the left base of the windshield was the only other distinguishing feature. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look with some modern touches like blue seat stitching and special gauges for the PHEV powertrain. The interior was practical, with controls laid out for functionality. The center console housed the transmission shifter, emergency brake, and transfer-case lever, along with differential controls and auxiliary switches. The Wrangler 4xe's interior was simple yet better outfitted than previous models, though it still lacked luxury and refinement.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which provided smooth power delivery but lacked throttle response. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed for some customization, though "Sport" mode only offered a slight increase in liveliness. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, reducing body roll and enhancing comfort. 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 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The powertrain modes included Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each offering different benefits. In Hybrid mode, the Wrangler 4xe delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for pure electric driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its efficiency, covering 757 miles with an average of 19.1 mpg, including 120.9 miles on electricity. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during downhill driving, enhancing overall efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) 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, adding to the family-friendly features.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into, especially for shorter passengers, but once inside, it offered a comfortable experience. The driving position was classic Wrangler, with a high seating position and clear view over the hood. Manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position, though the seats tended to lower over time. The center console offered limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, a 115-volt power outlet, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a storage bin under the load floor for the charging cord. Folding the back seat down increased the maximum volume to 72.4 cubic feet.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity options 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. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on higher trims. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. A digital rearview mirror was also available, enhancing visibility when the rear view was obstructed.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality despite wind noise. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel offered charging time estimates, and the blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard provided a quick view of charging status.

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 included 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 for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated marginal by IIHS. The Wrangler received a marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over in tests. NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.