When customers visit dealers of cars for sale in Orange County like Toyota of Orange intending to find the perfect family hauler, they stumble around answering the ultimate question, “Do you want a minivan or an SUV?” Then the family feud ensues (sorry for the pun).
The only real way of answering this question for millions of Americans who visit cars for sale to buy their ideal family hauler is to compare the two most popular: the 2020 Toyota Highlander and the 2020 Toyota Sienna. Keep on reading to find out which vehicle is best for you and your clan!
There are some similarities…
In some ways, the Highlander and the Sienna are peas in a pod. They each come with an all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter engine with 8-speed automatic transmission. Again, the two haulers twin one another with standard heated seats, folding rear seats, sunroof, keyless ignition, and adaptive cruise control.
They are so close to each other that even the warranties are the same. Both have a three-year/36000-mile warranty with a five-year/60000-mile drivetrain and two-year unlimited roadside assistance. So, as you can clearly see, the two vehicles are dead ringers in this area.
It goes without saying, that cars for sale in Orange County like crossover SUVs have been selling like hotcakes recently. However, you should be aware that the humble minivan can be more appropriate in certain instances.
But they do have some differences…
If you need to haul not only your little rascals in the rear rows, you may find that the Sienna is better for you. Cars for sale in Orange County like the Toyota Sienna has a bit more space in the second and third-row that’s good enough for adults to enjoy.
Furthermore, the 2020 Sienna has a bigger cargo space at 39.1 cubic feet, while the Highlander has 16 cubic feet. Also, with the additional seat capacity, the Sienna has eight seats whereas the Highlander has seven seats.
Nevertheless, don’t start to cross out the Highlander from your car wish list just yet. Because it does have the most legroom between the two. The Highlander has 42 inches from the driver’s seat and 41 inches in the rear. In comparison to the Sienna which has 40.5 inches in the driver’s seat and 37.6 inches in the rear.
Overall, the Sienna is a lot more spacious. Also, it is a lot easier to get into the seats with the dual automatic sliding doors that many minivans are equipped with. So, you have t consider this if you are traveling with passengers who have limited mobility, and find it difficult to get in and out of vehicles.
If you are making a lot of trips, then the amount of money you spend n gas will be on your agenda for sure. The 2020 Toyota Sienna has an EPA estimate of up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
On the other hand, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, with the Highlander’s hybrid option you get 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
But yet again, don’t be too fast in canceling the Sienna. Toyota just announced that there will be a 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid that promises to deliver 33 mpg!
An additional feature that the Highlander has but the Sienna does not is the capability to open the back window to pop things in without lifting the entire tailgate. It is a unique feature, but maybe not for everybody.
What are the advantages of the Highlander?
Many people are more drawn to the Highlander, or utility vehicles in general, because they look good. The proportions on an SUV go very well together and catch the eye. The modern aesthetic that the Highlander gives off seals the deal for many car buyers.
Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive but keep in mind that the Highlander’s crossover body provides an extra 1.5-inches of ground clearance. This helps the Highlander to perform in inclement weather and drive effortlessly over rough terrain.
If you have a boat, recreational vehicle, or anything else that needs towing, the Highlander is obviously going to be your better choice. As mentioned before, both vehicles are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates almost 300 horsepower.
However, the Highlander’s powertrain and body give it the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Sienna can tow up to 3,500 at best.
Although the Highlander is a three-row crossover, it works out to be more fuel-efficient than the Sienna (but we have to wait and see about the 2021 Sienna hybrid version) The Highlander has an EPA-estimated 21 mpg compared to the Sienna’s 19 mpg in the city.
What are the advantages of the Sienna?
If you have to chauffeur up to eight people at a time and are on a strict budget, you’ll find that the Sienna is of better value to you. The starting prices for the Toyota Sienna are slightly lower than the Toyota Highlander.
Although the Sienna is not turning heads down the road for its appearance, its body shape serves up a lot more cargo space. Behind the Sienna’s third-row you have 39.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. That opens up to 87.1 cubic feet behind the second row or 150 cubic feet behind the first. This is an extraordinary amount of space especially when you take into consideration that the Highlander only offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second, and 84.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.
If you need a family hauler that has a lot of space and is easy to get in and out of, then the 2020 Toyota Sienna will suit you and your family just fine. However, if you don’t need all that room and want a vehicle that you can depend on to tow and travel on uneven terrain, then don’t hesitate on the 2020 Toyota Highlander!