2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with varying features from basic amenities to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays. Its assertive stance was complemented by reworked sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options. The Sienna's interior emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was designed for practicality, offering ample storage and a bridge-like structure for additional space. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row capable of sliding to optimize space and access.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive acceleration and handling for its size.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel drive option available across all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel efficiency ratings, with FWD models using 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and AWD models slightly higher.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 490 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,351 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,393 litres with both the second and third rows down. It offered competitive space compared to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kilograms to 3,946 kilograms, depending on configuration. The cabin offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and flexible second-row seating options. The third row was more suitable for children, but access was easy thanks to large doors and foldable second-row seats.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and cargo handling, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row could slide up to 63.5 centimetres, enhancing legroom and access to the third row. The Sienna's cabin featured numerous storage cubbies and cupholders, with a total of 16 cupholders available. It could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering flexible cargo space with nominal measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch screen available on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, with options for a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on select trims.

The 2020 Dodge Durango included front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango received a four-star rating from NHTSA and a Moderate score from IIHS for driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard. It included dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.