2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen, and the centre console provided ample storage and smart design features. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering flexible configurations.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, captured a modern retro feel reminiscent of Land Rover designs. Its short front overhang and impressive approach and departure angles made it trail-ready, while the bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate tied it to its larger counterpart. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, enhancing both aesthetics and off-road capability. Inside, the Bronco Sport featured a rugged yet uncluttered design, with unique HVAC vent shapes and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim improved with each model, offering options from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, and practical features like a rubberized cargo floor for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, 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 an all-wheel-drive option, the latter powered by a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The vehicle offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower for Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, with the 2.0-litre engine better suited to its character.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, offering flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage, with the ability to carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo space measured 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna could tow up to 1,587 kg, and its hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kg, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kg. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin offered ample storage, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with Bluetooth and 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, and the driver enjoyed a multi-information display and digital rearview mirror. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with upgrades on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport boasted an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and higher trims featured heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels and a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and more. It featured the Star Safety System, blind spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system was standard, and the spare tire location was improved for safety. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with features like pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ was available, adding adaptive cruise control and more. AWD and a terrain management system enhanced safety, and the Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.