2021 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was crucial for family use. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those who wanted a minivan with a bit of style.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport after a redeye flight from Maui. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its plush and roomy interior, the Expedition struggled to accommodate our cargo, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition Platinum boasted an intricately detailed chrome grille, massive 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, making it a good-looking vehicle. The extended-length MAX version would have solved our cargo issue, but our test vehicle lacked this feature. The Expedition's leather-lined cabin and adaptive damping suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the 22-inch wheels transmitted road shock into the cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna's 3,500-pound towing capacity was manageable, though seldom used. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions achieved 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds. Standard safety tech helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specification. The Expedition's acceleration impressed, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. The Platinum's 22-inch wheels and adaptive damping suspension provided a firm ride, though road shock was noticeable. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but our test vehicle lacked this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on our evaluation loop, with the EPA rating the 4WD model at 19 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's primary shortcoming was its inability to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously in the regular-length model. The Expedition MAX addressed this issue, offering 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort in every seating position, and the power-deploying running boards made entry easy. Storage for odds and ends was plentiful, though the cargo floor's high liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without straining their voice.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition were also included. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered additional entertainment options for rear passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD model received a three-star rollover-resistance rating. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.