2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

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 but not quite reaching the command seating of an SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The centre console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering sliding capabilities for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe retained the iconic Wrangler design, with only subtle hints of its plug-in hybrid nature, such as blue decals and a charger port. Signature elements like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and seven-slot grille remained intact. The interior quality was consistent across the line-up, with three grades available. The Unlimited Sahara and Unlimited Sahara High Altitude featured leather-faced seats and power-adjustable driver's seats, while the top-tier Unlimited Rubicon offered cloth seats with optional leather upgrades. The interior of the Wrangler 4xe combined Dark Saddle brown leather seats with black leather inserts and contrast stitching, maintaining the rugged Wrangler aesthetic. Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe retained its off-road capabilities, with features like solid front and rear axles, locking differentials, and impressive ground clearance. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain provided an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with intuitive controls for battery usage. While not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving, the Wrangler 4xe offered a unique blend of electric power and off-road prowess.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, utilizing a proven engine, motor, and battery combination similar to the Highlander Hybrid. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. Four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered varying levels of performance. The Sienna's handling improved significantly with new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission facilitated power delivery, eschewing the CVT found in the Sienna. The Wrangler 4xe retained its trail-rated status, featuring a Selec-trac two-speed transfer case in the Sahara grades and a Rock-trac transfer case in the Rubicon, along with solid axles, locking differentials, and impressive ground clearance. The plug-in hybrid system offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with controls for hybrid, electric, and e-save modes. The Max Regen button enhanced regenerative braking, approaching one-pedal driving. The electric motors provided a burst of energy from a stop, though the Wrangler 4xe was not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for daily driving.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, crucial for minivans. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away, while the second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, offering flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders, with storage cubbies and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna's cargo capabilities were 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 tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, designed to accommodate a battery pack under the rear seats, minimized space loss for second-row occupants and maintained off-road capabilities. Headroom for the Sahara grades matched standard Wrangler models at 1,023 mm, with legroom slightly reduced to 970 mm. The Rubicon's soft-top roof offered more headroom than gas-only Wranglers. Cargo capacity was slightly compromised, with 784 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded, compared to higher figures in other Wrangler models. The Wrangler 4xe's body style, at 1,875 mm wide, was manageable in urban settings. A home charging cable was included, stored under the rear cargo load floor. The Rubicon test unit featured an optional power-retracting roof, allowing for on-the-fly operation at speeds up to 96 km/h. Some quirks, like centre stack power window controls, remained, but the Wrangler 4xe retained its Jeep identity.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, starting with a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available SiriusXM. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, with Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming standard. Qi-compatible charging was part of the XSE's Technology Package and standard on Limited models, along with a 1500-watt inverter. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo on LE to a Premium Audio + JBL package on Limited, with a rear-seat entertainment system available on XSE and standard on Limited. The driver enjoyed a colour multi-information display, with digital rearview mirrors on higher trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, upgraded to Smart Key System on XLE and above.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured Uconnect 4C with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard. Uconnect's intuitive interface combined touch layout with hard buttons for critical functions. Volume and tuning toggles on the steering wheel enhanced usability. Off-road pages displayed pitch and roll angles, while Hybrid Electric Pages managed efficiency settings. The instrument cluster combined traditional gauges with a 7-inch colour information display. Four USB ports were included, but wireless phone charging was absent. Despite the lack of some flashy tech features, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its rugged appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Blind spot monitoring was standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with a spare tire available on the LE grade. The 2020 Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, the driver's side small overlap front test returned a Marginal result due to a tip-over, and rear passenger head protection was also rated Marginal. LED headlight ratings ranged from Marginal to Poor. The NHTSA noted a recall for a clutch pressure plate issue. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.