2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee's pricing started at an MSRP of $46,245 for the Laredo model and went up to $71,045 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk reaching even higher price points. The Limited X variant, painted in Slate Blue Pearl, featured a sport-themed design with 20-inch aluminum wheels, but its interior materials left much to be desired, especially at higher price points where hard plastics became more noticeable.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with its SUV-like styling. The wide grille and LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior fit and finish were of superb Toyota quality. Inside, the emphasis on width and horizontal lines created a spacious feel, with a higher seating position for a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, and the centre console offered smart storage solutions. The second and third-row seats provided ample comfort and flexibility, making the Sienna a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering satisfying acceleration and a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including the 5.7-litre "Hemi" V8 with 360 hp, the 6.4-litre "Hemi" V8 in the SRT with 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 hp. The Grand Cherokee offered four different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system providing off-road capability. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, as Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway. Its handling was improved with new suspension systems, offering a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 1,028 litres behind the backseat, expanding to 1,934 litres with the backseat folded. The interior featured heated and power-adjustable front seats, though ventilation was not available. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. Its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available, and the test vehicle included a 9-speaker Alpine audio system. Unique to Jeep, the Off-Road Pages app provided valuable information for off-roading adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service 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 benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on select trims.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems, with ProTech I providing basic features like a reversing camera and blind-spot monitoring. ProTech II added forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, while Advanced ProTech II included adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, making it a safer choice.