2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel's outdated design were notable drawbacks, though the simplicity of the controls was appreciated. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats. The SE trim included a power liftgate and leather upholstery, while the XLE added luxury touches like a power moonroof and woodgrain accents. The Nightshade Edition offered a sportier look with dark accents and wheels.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design that aged well. The King Ranch model featured 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille, and LED headlights, with special emblems denoting its status. The interior boasted Del Rio leather and King Ranch logos, though some hard plastics were present, especially in lower trims. Despite its high price, the Expedition's cabin was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. The Expedition's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms and was available with AWD, a unique feature in its class. The FWD Sienna achieved fuel efficiency of 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned slightly higher figures. The Sienna's low centre of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels in Canada, with a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms. The Expedition's acceleration was enthusiastic, and its adaptive damping suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect pavement. The independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

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. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was designed for towing, carrying cargo, and hauling people. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, and the interior offered ample storage. The second-row captain’s chairs and third-row bench provided comfortable seating for adults, with impressive legroom. The standard-length Expedition offered 546 litres of cargo space behind the third row, while the MAX version provided 971 litres. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area significantly, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL premium audio system. The Limited trim featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it lacked the advanced features of the newer Sync 4 system. The Expedition included FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and received top ratings from the IIHS for its safety features.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, though the IIHS had not tested it at the time of review.