2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year, with a refresh in 2018 that included updated infotainment technology and styling tweaks. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel's simplistic design, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including the base CE, which was well-equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Higher trims added features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate, catering to families with practical needs.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was equally impressive, with upgraded detailing and a simulated suede headliner. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew attention, and its cabin, adorned with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, offered a luxurious feel at a competitive price. The Palisade's design and features made it appear more expensive than it was, providing a sense of opulence that was hard to match in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for those who needed it. The Sienna's powertrain was front-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, making it the only minivan in its class to offer AWD in 2020. Fuel efficiency for the FWD Sienna was 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving. Its firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Palisade was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring, with predictable handling and easy operation in urban and suburban environments. It also boasted a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those with mobility needs.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade provided a spacious and accessible interior, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The driver and front passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with heated and ventilated options for the front and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, with easy access via sliding captain’s chairs. The Palisade offered ample in-cabin storage, with a storage tray under the centre console. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch display requiring a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, Blue Link services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display. A surround-view camera system aided parking and maneuvering.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist added to its safety credentials. The Palisade's Highway Driving Assist provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. It earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.