2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, closely resembling Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with the lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V versions were upgrades of a commodity car rather than premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with its SUV-like styling. The wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's superb fit and finish. Inside, the emphasis on width and horizontal lines created a spacious feel. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The seating position was comfortable, and the materials used throughout the cabin had a quality feel. The second and third-row seats were designed for adult comfort, with the second row offering flexibility for maximum utility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain was well-suited to the CR-V, providing a quick feel, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1. These figures placed the CR-V among the most fuel-efficient in its class for non-hybrid models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both FWD and AWD options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled CVT in the Sienna prioritized fuel efficiency, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna's handling was significantly improved, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Its fuel efficiency was impressive, with FWD models rated at 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 6.7.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to larger vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V provided excellent head- and legroom, with a smart seating position for optimal visibility. The cargo space was generous, with a two-position load floor allowing for flexible storage options. The CR-V's clever storage solutions, including a deep centre console and large door pockets, made it easy to accommodate various items.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, crucial for a minivan. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away, and the second row could slide up to 63.5 centimetres for flexible legroom. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, capable of carrying a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. With nominal cargo measurements of 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres behind the first row, the Sienna offered ample space for luggage and freight. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto felt tacked on. However, the CR-V was equipped with multiple USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims, accommodating various devices.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of technology features, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sienna offered a range of audio and multimedia systems, from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from tech features like a colour multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, though lower trims had marginal headlights. A recall affected a small number of vehicles for rear subframe failure.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision systems. It also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, with four stars for front and rollover resistance.