2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011, with a refresh in 2018 that added updated infotainment tech and styling tweaks. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with a hollow "thud" from the front doors hinting at its age. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple yet user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE 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, while the SE trim boasted a power liftgate and leather upholstery. The XLE Limited offered premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and advanced safety features.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years prior, maintained a rugged, utilitarian design that aged well. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. The 4Runner was available in Trail and SR5 trims, with various packages like TRD Off Road and TRD Pro. The Trail model featured black cloth upholstery and all-season floor mats, with hard plastic dominating the interior. Despite its old-school dashboard with big knobs and buttons, the 4Runner's simplicity and durability endeared it to owners. It was a reliable tool, capable of tackling off-road challenges with ease, thanks to features like A-Trac and optional packages that enhanced its off-road prowess.

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 livelier throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 1,587 kilograms. The Sienna's powertrain sent power to the front wheels, with AWD available on most trims, albeit at the cost of one less passenger seat. 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered part-time 4WD with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. However, its body-on-frame construction made it a formidable off-road vehicle, excelling in mud, hills, and ruts. The 4Runner's fuel consumption was 13.8 L/100 km in combined driving, with an average range of about 620 kilometres from its 87-litre fuel tank.

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 Sienna's third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it an affordable option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, posing a challenge for shorter passengers without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. It offered up to 1,337 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded down. The 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient spot for changing gear or enjoying the view, and its big roof rack added to its adventure-ready appeal.

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 Sienna's tech offerings were a welcome addition, though Apple CarPlay was long overdue.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade lacked advanced technology but included a windshield wiper de-icer and a cargo area power outlet. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Several packages upgraded the audio system and added dynamic navigation. The system's physical buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves, and the navigation map included off-road trails.

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 top ratings from the IIHS in various crash tests. The Sienna's safety features provided peace of mind, especially with its twitchy steering.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured TSS-P, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. Its age showed in its safety ratings, with marginal protection in certain crash tests.