2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. At first glance, it presented a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille emphasizing its width and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel housing the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with reworked sliding side doors sculpted to bulge over the rear wheels. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. From the rear, the Sienna managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, avoiding the school bus feel. The seating position was higher than a sedan's, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The center console featured a gear selector lever, cup holders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while similar in appearance to its sibling, the Encore, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, giving it a less stubby look. The Encore GX was particularly handsome with the optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package, which included body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. New exterior paint options for 2022 included Cinnabar Metallic, Sapphire Metallic, Sunset Glow Metallic, and Rosewood Metallic.

Inside, the Encore GX offered an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials and minimal hard plastic. Cloth seats were standard on base models, while leather seats were standard on the top Essence trim. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized and featured handy redundant controls. The controls and instrumentation were straightforward and easy to use, catering to Buick's customer base.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) 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, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed for some customization of the driving experience.

Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy numbers: 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter unit producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter motor making 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter unit was standard on the top Essence trim and available as an option on the lower trims. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models used a traditional nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT combination in the test vehicle proved capable, though a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was not as settled as expected from a Buick, and noise levels were higher than anticipated. However, the CVT did not drone, and the vehicle handled adequately for its class.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. 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. Cargo handling was a strong point, with the ability to carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside. 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 Sienna could tow up to 3,500 pounds, and its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Ingress and egress were effortless, and controls were clearly marked and legible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet in length with the front passenger seat and rear seats folded flat. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, and a rotary dial allowed for height adjustment.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity 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. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services, USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation was available on higher trims, along with built-in Amazon Alexa. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded infotainment system. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layout and efficient voice recognition.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including 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, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were not yet available, but the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence package added automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included. The Encore GX earned five stars from NHTSA for overall crash protection and high ratings from IIHS, though headlight performance varied by trim.