2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. With a more SUV-like appearance, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern look. The side profile was assertive, with sculpted sliding doors and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. The rear design maintained a wide and low stance, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, with ample storage and cupholders, while the second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, utilitarian design, unchanged for over a decade. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. The 4Runner's design was likened to a reliable tool, with its appearance aging well over the years. Available in various trims, including the Trail Special Edition, the 4Runner offered a range of features and pricing options. Inside, the Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo tray. The interior was characterized by hard plastics, large knobs, and buttons, reflecting its durable and straightforward nature. Despite its age, the 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling improved with new front suspension and steering, providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, achieving 36 mpg in the city, highway, and combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and part-time four-wheel drive available. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with a heavy and clunky feel. The 4Runner's fuel economy was less efficient, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and 19 mpg on the highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row seat and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage space, with cargo capacity ranging from 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, with comfortable front and rear seats providing good support and visibility. The back seat featured air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. While a third-row seat was available, the test vehicle included a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack further enhanced its cargo-carrying capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It offered various connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect trials. Higher trims boasted a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna also included a color multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition, while lower on the trim ladder, included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It offered a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system featured physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation, even with gloves. Despite its old-school appearance, the infotainment system was functional and effective.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. While crash-test ratings for 2021 were unavailable, the 2020 model received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from IIHS. Its age likely contributed to lower ratings in certain crash tests.