2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers typically refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. 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 conveniences like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats, while the SE trim featured a power liftgate and leather upholstery. The XLE trim included a power moonroof and woodgrain accents, with the Limited package adding premium leather seats and a JBL audio system. The Nightshade Edition, available on the SE trim, added dark accents and 19-inch wheels for those prioritizing style.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, was designed as a versatile crossover with a modern retro aesthetic. It featured a short front overhang for improved approach angles and a design focused on trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding. Wheel options varied by trim, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior was rugged yet uncluttered, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The Bronco Sport offered a step-up in interior trim from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor. The vehicle was designed for both urban and adventurous use, with a focus on off-road capability and everyday practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 1,587 kilograms. The Sienna's powertrain was front-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, albeit with a trade-off of reduced seating capacity. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna offered decent handling for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, with a short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, it was a capable commuter, though the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

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 with a bench seat. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but accessing the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and optional features like a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

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

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology assisted with off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, with additional features available on higher trims.

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 from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.