2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a refined, upscale design that made it more handsome than its competitors. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and prominent "Explorer" lettering. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price, the materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and rough-grained plastic dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to more affordable competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, although updated in 2018, still felt dated by 2020. Its design was occasionally upscale but generally lacked modernity. The instrument panel seemed outdated, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, yet its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the well-equipped base CE to the premium XLE Limited. Despite its age, the Sienna provided practical features like a power liftgate and AWD options, making it a versatile choice for families. However, the hollow sound of the doors and the dated interior design were reminders of its aging platform.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis, providing a balanced and dynamic driving experience. The ST trim featured a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided smooth and addictive power delivery, with the ability to switch to Sport mode for a more engaging drive. The Explorer's handling was nimble, with precise steering and flat cornering, making it a standout in its class. The 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 300 hp, was also a strong performer, while the hybrid option offered a net 318 hp but lacked significant fuel efficiency benefits. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 2,268 to 2,540 kilograms, depending on the engine choice, and it featured seven drive modes for various conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna's powertrain provided strong acceleration, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. While front-wheel drive was standard, AWD was available on most trims, offering improved traction in adverse conditions. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base contributing to its stability. However, its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds, which could be a concern for busy parents.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a first-class experience. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short trips. However, the flat bench was not ideal for long journeys. The Explorer's cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row, measuring 509 litres, but expanded to 1,359 litres behind the second row and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's interior was user-friendly, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Keyless entry, remote start, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package, available on ST and Platinum models, included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the touchscreen was well-organized, the instrument panel lacked customization options and felt unfinished. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a long-awaited addition for Toyota. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers. The Sienna's tech offerings were practical, though not groundbreaking.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard, though the latter could be overly sensitive. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, featuring lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on SE models and above. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and received top scores from the IIHS in various crash tests, with its driver-assistance features rated as Superior.