2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, stepping away from the traditional boxy design to embrace a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added a touch of sophistication. The Sienna's exterior was complemented by a range of alloy wheel sizes, enhancing its assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna focused on width and comfort, offering a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and cupholders, while the second and third-row seats provided flexibility and comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The character line along its side added a sporty touch, reminiscent of the Supra sports car. The Highlander’s interior, especially in the Limited trim, exuded luxury with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details. While the Highlander XSE trim offered a sportier appearance, the vehicle truly excelled in providing a comfortable and upscale experience for families, with ample legroom and a focus on convenience.

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, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving impressive ratings of 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway for FWD models. Despite its focus on efficiency, the Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, produced 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander offered smooth and reliable operation, comparable to its competitors. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort. Overall, the Highlander provided a balanced performance suitable for family needs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding capability, enhancing legroom flexibility. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating up to 2,860 litres with the seats folded, and it could tow up to 1,587 kg. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander prioritized passenger comfort and cargo versatility. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers. Cargo capacity ranged from 453 litres behind the third row to 2,245 litres with all seats folded. While the Highlander provided sufficient space for most needs, it was outmatched by the Sienna's cargo capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims included a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on higher trims, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. While the larger screen was visually impressive, its functionality was limited. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, providing good sound quality. Despite its technological offerings, the Highlander's infotainment system had some limitations compared to the Sienna's more comprehensive setup.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included advanced features like intersection support and automatic emergency braking. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.