2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, a third-generation model, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version 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 a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a JBL premium audio system. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced with a two-motor hybrid powertrain in 2020, retained the refreshed styling and improved interior storage of its predecessor. It featured standard Honda Sensing safety technology and available wireless smartphone charging. The CR-V Hybrid looked similar to its gas-only counterparts, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. Inside, it had unique instrumentation and paddles for regenerative braking. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the CR-V Hybrid offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, including leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging in the Touring trim.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive version delivered the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, but its steering was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, generating a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—and three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight improved its center of gravity and weight distribution. It offered a smooth and predictable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line and enjoyable to drive.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, 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 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 easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid provided ample interior space, with supportive front seats and remarkable rear seat room. The driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustment, while the rear seat provided cross-your-legs space. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up center console space. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet maximum, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, had a 7-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. It supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the voice-recognition technology was limited. The Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging and a nine-speaker premium audio system. The system also offered text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. It also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it lacked some advanced safety features found in competitors.