2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. With SUV-like styling, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern look. The side profile was assertive, with redesigned sliding doors that added a sculpted appearance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced its stance, while the rear maintained a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was practical, with ample storage and cupholders, and the second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while similar in appearance to its sibling, the Encore, offered a slightly longer wheelbase, giving it a more balanced look. The optional ST appearance package added sporty elements like custom grilles and sport bumpers. Inside, the Encore GX provided a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The seating was adequate for front passengers, though rear-seat space was limited. Cargo space was practical, with a two-level cargo floor and the ability to accommodate long items. The Encore GX's design focused on ease of use, with clear controls and excellent visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 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 used a CVT, which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. It featured four drive modes and improved handling with new suspension systems. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models were slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The engine was capable but a bit noisy, and the ride was less refined than expected from a Buick. Despite its small size, the Encore GX handled adequately, though it was noisier inside than anticipated. The vehicle's driving dynamics were uninspiring, and it was not designed for off-roading, sticking to urban and light gravel paths.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row seat that folded into the floor and a second row that slid up to 63.5 cm for easy access. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage, while cargo space was generous, accommodating a full sheet of plywood. The Sienna could tow up to 1,587 kg, and its hybrid battery was cleverly positioned to avoid impacting cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, though compact, offered a comfortable experience with easy ingress and egress. Front-seat space was ample, but rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and could accommodate long items. The optional hands-free power liftgate and adjustable height settings added convenience for users.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a JBL audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna also included a range of connectivity services and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It included driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Optional tech packages added navigation, a head-up display, and advanced safety features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

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 a tire pressure monitoring system. The Sienna received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assistance features, with options for additional safety tech. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall protection. The IIHS rated it highly, though headlight performance varied by trim. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system.