2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

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 comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, cupholders, and a bridge-like structure connecting the dash to the storage compartment. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, utilitarian design, unchanged for over a decade. Its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. The 4Runner's design was likened to a reliable tool, requiring no frequent redesigns. The interior, while comfortable, featured hard plastics and an old-school dashboard with large knobs and buttons. The Trail model offered basic amenities, with black cloth upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, appealing to those seeking a straightforward, long-lasting vehicle.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. Four drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered varying levels of performance. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension and steering systems, providing a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission drove the rear axle, with part-time 4WD available. The 4Runner excelled off-road, equipped with A-Trac traction control, and optional TRD packages added features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. On-road, the 4Runner felt heavy and clunky, with slow handling and challenging steering. Its truck-like characteristics were part of its charm, appealing to those who valued off-road capability over on-road refinement. Fuel consumption was higher, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km, and an average range of about 620 km with its 87-litre fuel tank.

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, enhancing access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all doors. The Sienna could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood, with cargo space measuring 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, responsive to kick motions, added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, with comfortable front and rear seats. The back seat provided generous legroom, visibility, and USB ports. A third-row seat was optional, and the rear bumper served as a convenient seating area. Cargo space reached 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, complemented by a large roof rack for additional cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available SiriusXM. Connectivity included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, with Bluetooth and audio streaming standard. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging and a 1500-watt inverter. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, with a wide-screen display and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's Trail grade offered basic technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. A 120-volt AC power outlet was notable, and Safety Connect services were included for a year. Audio upgrades added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist. The infotainment system, while simple, was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, 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 included. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from IIHS. Its protection in small overlap frontal impacts was rated as Marginal by IIHS, reflecting its older design.