2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that introduced 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 seemed to come from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a DVD entertainment system. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing style.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, shared its underpinnings with the Jeep Compass but drew design inspiration from the iconic Wrangler. It featured a boxy profile, circular headlights, and an upright seven-slat grille. The 2019 refresh carried over to 2021, with some previously optional features becoming standard. Inside, the Renegade had a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack, echoing the Wrangler's design. It offered various trims, from the base Sport to the off-road-focused Trailhawk, each with unique features like push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a terrain management system.

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. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in FWD or 4WD. The turbocharged engine provided better performance with its extra torque, though the automatic transmission sometimes struggled with smooth shifts. The Renegade had a solid ride quality, with composed suspension over rough surfaces and impressive maneuverability in tight spaces. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road suspension and terrain management system, offered exceptional off-road capability.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. This class-leading space came at the cost of having to remove the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than with a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, though accessing the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing such capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade provided 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with the seats in use. These specs were above average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Renegade's tall, boxy design provided ample headroom in both rows, with great legroom in the front and adequate space in the rear. It featured helpful storage solutions, including small cubbies and trays, and the front passenger seat could fold completely forward for added space.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims, like the Limited, added 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 Jeep Renegade's standard infotainment system was a 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on mid-tier trims and standard on higher trims. Both screens ran the intuitive Uconnect system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kenwood premium audio system was available, enhancing the Renegade's tech offerings.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including 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 higher trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade made previously optional safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and parking sensors were optional. The Renegade earned four stars in NHTSA crash tests, with parallel parking assist available as an option.