2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was a bold effort by Toyota to change the perception of the minivan. At first glance, it managed to project a more SUV-like appearance, with its wide grille emphasizing the vehicle's width and sleek LED headlamp arrays defining the front. The side view of the Sienna showcased an assertive stance with its redesigned sliding doors that had a swooping body line bulging over the rear wheels. The various alloy wheel options, ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch depending on the trim, looked impressive in their metallic and dark finishes. From the rear, the Sienna featured a large window that helped it maintain a wide and low look, a rarity for minivans. Inside, the Sienna emphasized horizontal lines giving it a spacious feel without compromising the higher seating position that offered a comfortable ride. The dashboard was uncluttered, and the center console was smartly designed with ample space for storage. The second and third-row seats offered comfort and flexibility, sliding forward and backward to maximize utility and space.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, retained its iconic appearance that had been largely unchanged over the years. Its design was characterized by circular headlights, a seven-slot grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders. Depending on the trim, the Wrangler’s appearance could vary slightly, with options such as painted or exposed fenders, different tops (soft or hard), but it always retained those core design elements. Inside, it was apparent the Wrangler was not aimed at providing the comfort of a typical SUV. The upright seating, limited legroom, and manually adjusted seats were characteristic features. Trims ranged from the basic Sport with manual features to the near-luxury High Altitude, which included leather seats and a larger touchscreen.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, using a proven engine, motor, and battery combination similar to the Highlander Hybrid. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with two electric motors, produced 243 horsepower. Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and available all-wheel drive (AWD) provided flexibility. The AWD variant used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design and functionality. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which offered smooth and efficient power delivery, though it was less responsive than conventional transmissions. It featured four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport). Handling had improved with the new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll and enhancing ride comfort. Fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving an estimated 36 mpg in the city and on the highway.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrain options, from gas and diesel to mild-hybrid and a powerful Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The latter produced 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wranglers featured three 4WD systems—Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, optimizing them for different off-roading needs. The Rubicon 392 was a standout with its 6.4-liter V8 engine yielding 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerhouse on and off-road. Jeep also introduced a plug-in hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe, offering 275 hp and up to 22 miles of electric range.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna were highly judged based on their convenience features. The Sienna excelled in this regard, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stowed away into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, aiding accessibility to the third row. The interior was generously equipped with 16 cupholders (or 15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The cargo space measurements showcased its utility, with 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. Importantly, the hybrid system's battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Towing capacity was up to 3,500 pounds. Power-operated sliding side doors and a rear tailgate with kick-motion sensors further emphasized the family-friendly design.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of top options, including the basic zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, a premium cloth soft top, and the three-piece hardtop Freedom top. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a power-retractable canvas panel that mimicked a hardtop's appearance and convenience. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin focused on functionality, with door cargo nets, a small center console bin, and a glovebox. The floor drain plugs allowed for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparable to smaller crossovers. However, the space was somewhat restricted by wheel wells and roll-bars.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna leveraged its hybrid powertrain offering extensive technology features. All grades included a nine-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Standard equipment included several trial subscription services: Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible wireless charging, a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch 1080p display. The driver's tech suite included a multi-information display, available in 4.2 inches or 7 inches based on trim, and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) in Platinum trim. The option for a digital rearview mirror augmented visibility when carrying full loads. Standard remote keyless entry and push-button start were upgraded to Smart Key System in higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler started with the bare minimum, with the Sport trim featuring a basic 5-inch screen. The 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was optional on the Sport S and standard elsewhere. The top-tier 8.4-inch Uconnect screen offered sharp graphics and an intuitive interface. The Wrangler's steering wheel included radio toggles for easy control. Higher trims like the Rubicon 392 featured additional tech like a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille for clear trail visibility. This camera even had its washer-sprayer, useful for muddy or dusty conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, encompassing dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision systems with pedestrian 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. Fitted with ten airbags and multiple LATCH locations for child seats, the Sienna also featured a rear-seat reminder system and a standard tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were pending, but the 2020 model had favorable results, including a Five-Star Overall Rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler came with some optional modern driver-assistance features. Forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring were all available but not standard. Unlike many modern vehicles, lane-departure warning was not even an option. Standard safety included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, particularly useful for off-roading. However, the lack of advanced driver-assistance systems highlighted its focus on rugged, rather than modern, safety features.