2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned quality, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The interior was designed for utility, with a smart center console and ample storage, ensuring comfort for all passengers, including adults in the second and third rows.

The 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar design, reminiscent of its predecessors, yet offered a fresher interior compared to the smaller Crosstrek. The Outback's cabin featured a large 11.6-inch portrait display on higher trims, surrounded by chrome and leatherette, enhancing its modern appeal. Quality materials were evident throughout, with the Onyx Edition XT showcasing a unique StarTex upholstery. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth styling provided a balanced and stable appearance. Despite minimal changes for 2021, the Outback's lifted wagon design remained a standout feature, offering an alternative to typical crossovers and SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims, utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling was notably improved, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Its fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined, and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower, struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The CVT further hindered its power delivery. However, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available in the XT trims offered a significant performance boost, with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a quieter and smoother ride, enhancing the Outback's capability. While the turbo XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, the Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily folded into the floor. The second row's 25-inch sliding capability facilitated access to the third row. The Sienna boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage throughout the cabin. Its cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo space measured 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 hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered substantial interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of obstructions. Ample headroom and legroom, along with excellent visibility, contributed to a comfortable cabin experience. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional compartments. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity features 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. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package with Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and, in Platinum trims, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with upgrades available on higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation system offered a more modern interface. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could limit its effectiveness in certain conditions. The single large screen on higher trims provided a more cohesive experience compared to the base model's dual-screen setup.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and LATCH connectors were standard. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were also included. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a stronger chassis and additional airbags, with more driver assists available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims, while rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select models. The Outback earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received top ratings in crash tests. NHTSA awarded it an overall five-star rating, with some variations in specific tests.