2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. Introduced in 2011, the Sienna had received newer infotainment tech and styling updates, but the overall feel remained somewhat old-fashioned. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers strive to eliminate. 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 like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment systems. The SE trim, for instance, included a power liftgate, while the XLE Limited boasted premium leather seats and a JBL audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the SUV market, free from the constraints of a long design legacy. As Genesis's first SUV, it managed to blend innovation with the brand's signature styling cues. The GV80 featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and a distinctive grille, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, real wood and metal finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The GV80's design was both elegant and functional, offering a sophisticated driving experience.

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 offered 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 primarily front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, albeit with a trade-off of reduced seating capacity. The Sienna's fuel efficiency was notable, with the FWD version achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly higher consumption rates. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's suspension system, particularly in the 3.5T models, featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel strained under pressure, while the 3.5T was smoother and more powerful. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was slightly higher. The GV80's performance was characterized by its balance of power and refinement.

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 somewhat challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing accessibility options.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on technology and design. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The second row was spacious, with power seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven and featured a power-fold function. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, offering a comfortable and high-tech environment for passengers.

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 audio system. The Sienna also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom-like system for communicating with rear passengers, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system allowed for user-configurable displays and cloud profiles. The GV80 also offered a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers, providing a comprehensive and advanced technological experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, 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 in various crash tests, with its driver-assistance features rated as "Superior."

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80's safety features were extensive, offering peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.