2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Dodge Durango

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 was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, 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 was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, and the second and third-row seats provided flexibility and comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The Durango SRT Hellcat model featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps, enhancing its aggressive look. With six different 20-inch wheel varieties and a choice of 11 exterior colours, the Durango offered customization options. Inside, the Durango's cabin boasted a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours adding a funky touch.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 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 to deliver smooth power, though it sometimes dulled throttle response. With four selectable drive modes, the Sienna provided a comfortable ride with improved handling, thanks to its new suspension system. Its fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-litre V6 to a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, producing 710 horsepower. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering. However, its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin. The Durango's towing capacity was notable, with the R/T model capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds. SRT models featured Performance Pages for track enthusiasts, offering configurable drive modes and performance data.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage space, with cargo capacity ranging from 949 litres behind the third row to 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered seating for up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many competitors, providing ample space for passengers. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, with the Durango standing out from earlier models. Its midsize packaging made it a versatile family hauler with an athletic design.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all grades, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna included a range of connectivity options, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, and keyless entry was standard.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims running the Uconnect 5 system. This system offered faster performance, user profiles, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango's rear-seat entertainment system included Blu-ray and DVD players with two high-resolution screens. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clear graphics and responsiveness, though a head-up display was notably absent.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna was equipped with 10 airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were less comprehensive, with a back-up camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash and rollover rating from NHTSA.