2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to traditional SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille. It offered a clean and handsome design, though it lacked the personality of some competitors like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. The Traverse's restrained styling allowed for distinct cosmetic elements across different trim levels, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, with a standout feature being the optional Dual SkyScape sunroof. While the materials in the RS model were decent, they didn't quite justify the vehicle's price tag, a common issue among midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamps contributed to a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added a touch of assertiveness. The Sienna's fit and finish were top-notch, reflecting Toyota's commitment to quality. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The second and third rows offered ample space and flexibility, making the Sienna a practical choice for families. The interior materials were of high quality, enhancing the overall feel of the minivan.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, thanks to its quiet cabin and smooth suspension. However, it lacked agility on twisty roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation and didn't fully utilize its torque vectoring capabilities. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It featured an electronically controlled CVT, which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension and steering systems, providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. The standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in the city and on the highway, and AWD models slightly lower. The Sienna's hybrid system was efficient, though it sacrificed some driving excitement for practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It excelled in cargo space, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down. A power liftgate was available, with higher trims featuring a gesture-activated option. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, a common trade-off for its rugged styling.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna prioritized convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, enhancing accessibility and cargo flexibility. The Sienna could carry a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first. Its hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with analog controls for volume and climate. The Traverse also offered a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. USB ports were standard across all rows, but wireless charging was limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included a year of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year Service Connect trial, and a three-month AT&T WiFi trial. Higher trims offered a JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna's tech features catered to both driver and passengers, with a color multi-information display and optional Head-Up Display on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it had mixed headlight ratings and limited standard driver-assist features. Adaptive cruise control and other safety technologies were optional, unlike many competitors where they were standard.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features as standard. It included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 model had strong ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The Sienna's safety features were extensive, providing peace of mind for families.