2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, a blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, while the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and large 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, standard LED headlights, and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the base LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with its SUV-like styling. It featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it an assertive stance. The sliding side doors were redesigned with a sculpted look, and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, depending on the trim. The Sienna's interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The second and third-row seats provided comfort for adults, with the second row offering sliding capabilities for maximum utility. The Sienna's fit and finish were of superb Toyota quality, making it a stylish and functional choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, starting with a 5.3-litre V8 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, standard in all trims except the High Country. The High Country featured a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine, available for all trims except the Z71, provided 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle 831 kilograms of payload. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades, and the 5.3-litre V8 engine provided ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available on all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling improved with new front suspension and steering, and independent rear trailing arm suspension, offering a comfortable ride. The Sienna Hybrid's fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a standout feature, offering a large storage tray and a locking drawer. The second row offered a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage cubbies and cupholders, with a total of 16 cupholders. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform offering enhanced computing power and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though main-menu shortcut icons were somewhat hard to use due to their recessed position. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was fast. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility, though the 15-inch head-up display was not tested.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a colour multi-information display, with a digital rearview mirror available on higher trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with standard safety features, including Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder system, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premier and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and automatic high beams. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with a spare tire available on the LE grade. The 2020 Sienna received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.