2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan 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 evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan 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 Honda Pilot, despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance, retained a design that was an acquired taste. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, with the Black Edition standing out for its exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents. The Pilot's interior was characterized by quality materials, though it resembled a minivan from the front seat due to its flat dashboard and low centre console. The Black Edition's 20-inch alloy wheels and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system contributed to its unexpectedly athletic handling. However, the Pilot's exterior design and minivan-like front seat experience did not favour its overall appeal.

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. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional automatic transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and its fuel efficiency was impressive, with ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for FWD models and 6.8 for AWD models.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system ensured smooth and quick acceleration. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, while its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row offered 63.5 centimetres of sliding space, enhancing legroom and access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 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.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided seating for up to eight people, with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second-row captain's chairs, standard on Black Edition models, offered nearly the same comfort as the front seats and slid forward for easier third-row access. The Pilot's storage solutions were abundant, with carved door panels, a centre console, and a rolltop storage console. Cargo space measured 524 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres. The power tailgate, available on higher trims, added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered additional features like Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package. The rear-seat entertainment system included an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging, a 10-speaker audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Cabin Talk feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the stereo speakers. However, the infotainment system's screen size and voice-recognition technology were less advanced compared to competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.