2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, with features like step plates and a ladder that harkened back to its utilitarian roots. Despite some modern touches, such as plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender maintained its adventurous spirit. The taillights, with their rounded rectangles, and the external spare tire added to its distinctive look. The interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin. While not luxurious, the Defender's interior was functional, with options for cloth or synthetic leather seats and a simple, uncluttered dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with its SUV-like styling. The wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern and assertive stance. The redesigned sliding side doors and alloy wheels added to its appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and cupholders. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, and the sliding second row allowed for flexible space configuration. The Sienna's interior materials and surfaces had a good feel, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower. The latter was a mild hybrid, featuring an electric motor-powered turbocharger that eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exemplary, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines and deep water with ease, making it a versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures. However, its handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body roll.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. While the CVT's performance was less engaging, the Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with impressive ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for FWD models and 6.8 litres for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable and smooth ride.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and versatility. Its interior was minimalist, with a focus on functionality. The Defender 90, a two-door model, offered an optional jump seat, allowing for flexible seating configurations. The four-door Defender 110 had an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive, at 3,719 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row seat that easily stored away. The second row's sliding capability allowed for flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The Sienna's cargo capacity was substantial, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with seats folded. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims offered additional luxury features like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. The Sienna's audio systems varied by trim, with a Premium Audio + JBL package available on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was also available, providing entertainment for passengers. The Sienna's driver-focused technology included a digital rearview mirror and a colour multi-information display.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked knee airbags and rear side airbags, with a total of six airbags. The Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also featured the Star Safety System and blind-spot monitoring. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.