2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel's outdated design were notable indicators of its age. However, the simplicity of the controls made them easy to use. The Sienna offered various trim levels, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with its own set of 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 family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats. The SE trim included a power liftgate, while the XLE added leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof. The XLE Limited offered premium features like JBL audio and HID headlights. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents for a stylish look.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was a more compact SUV, shorter and closer to the ground than the RAV4 but with the same wheelbase. Critics noted its resemblance to a Lexus, with a design reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. The Venza was available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model came with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch driver information display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The top-tier Limited trim featured a digital rearview mirror, illuminated footwells, and the Star Gaze panoramic roof. The Venza's interior was unique, with premium appointments and a focus on comfort, making it a refined choice for those seeking a more upscale SUV 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, providing stout acceleration. The Sienna's powertrain sent power to the front wheels as standard, with optional AWD available on most trims. The AWD versions were limited to a 7-passenger configuration, sacrificing the 8-passenger option. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD version achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 hwy. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base contributing to its stability. However, its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) with a sequential-shifting feature for regenerative braking. While the Venza's power output was lower than some competitors, it provided smooth acceleration and sufficient power for passing. The Venza's handling was confident, with AWD ensuring stability. Its fuel efficiency was a standout feature, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 hwy, making it more efficient than rivals like the Murano and Passport. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre hybrid battery warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre hybrid component warranty.

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 the bench configuration. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, including a built-in rotating lift seat, making it an affordable option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Toyota Venza prioritized practicality with a unique interior design. The cabin featured premium appointments, including a centre stack with piano black capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The deep centre console housed various controls and a wireless charging pad. The Venza's seating was comfortable, accommodating two adults in the rear. While it had less cargo space than the RAV4, its 816 litres were sufficient for daily use. The Venza's cargo space was easy to arrange with quick-flip releases on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks.

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 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's infotainment system varied by trim, with the LE featuring an 8-inch screen and the XLE and Limited offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Venza XLE and Limited had a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota connected services included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, providing various functionalities and maintenance data. Dynamic navigation was available on models with the larger screen.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on SE models and above. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS in various crash tests.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with automatic braking available on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.