2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior boasted superb Toyota quality, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the grade. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console featured smart storage solutions, and the second and third-row seats provided ample comfort and flexibility for passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave embraced its heritage with a large, impressive design. The Enclave's Avenir trim added a unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms and polished accents. The leather seats offered luxury, though the wood accents were not genuine. The cabin was spacious and quiet, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning efforts, and the electronic transmission shifter, though fussy, became intuitive over time.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT aimed for smooth power delivery, though it lacked throttle response. Its fuel efficiency was impressive, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, generating 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and its handling was enhanced by a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, with AWD models slightly higher. Its towing capacity reached 2,268 kg, making it a versatile choice for larger loads.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, offering a flexible interior with a standard third-row seat and a second row that slid up to 63.5 cm. It provided ample storage, with 16 cupholders and the ability to carry a full sheet of plywood. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,860 litres available. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a spacious interior with seven-passenger seating, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench. The Enclave's cargo space was commendable, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with seats folded. The cabin was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable, massaging front seats and a quiet, serene environment.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered a JBL audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna also included a range of connectivity features, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. However, it lacked the screen size and audio quality found in competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, but its connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It featured 10 airbags and received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package offering essential systems like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but lacked advanced driver assistance technologies.