2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

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 Limited boasted premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and HID headlights. For those prioritizing style, the Nightshade Edition added dark accents and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold V-motion design, while the rear had a new bumper and LED taillights. The Kicks offered new paint options and retained its two-tone paint job, enhancing its upmarket look. The SR Premium trim, which was tested, included LED headlights, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a sportier aesthetic. The interior, inspired by the 2020 Nissan Sentra, featured higher quality materials and new seat designs. The Kicks SR Premium offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design. Buyers could customize their Kicks with over 100 million colour combinations using Nissan Kicks Colour Studio accessories. The interior space was efficiently utilized, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage.

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 front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD option, however, limited seating to seven passengers. The Sienna's fuel efficiency was rated at 12.6 L/100 km city, 9.1 highway, and 11.0 combined for FWD, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city, 9.6 highway, and 11.7 combined. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to its nimble handling. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks had a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The Kicks SR Premium maintained its composure on icy roads, though the CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks' fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 7.2 combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers available.

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 the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area, enhancing the Kicks' practicality.

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 XLE Limited featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and satellite radio. The SR Premium boasted a Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including headrest speakers, and a surround-view monitor for enhanced parking assistance.

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. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS in various crash tests.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks had 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The 2021 model received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model scoring well in IIHS crash tests.