2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. The vehicle's design, while occasionally upscale, was often overshadowed by its outdated elements, such as the hollow "thud" of its doors and the simplistic instrument panel reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including the base CE, which was well-equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats, while the SE trim introduced a power liftgate and leather upholstery. The XLE and XLE Limited trims further enhanced luxury with premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and additional tech features.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton SUV. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and modern design elements like a floating centre console and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing a luxurious experience. While the Navigator's interior was spacious and refined, it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available on most trims, providing better traction in adverse conditions. The Sienna's fuel efficiency was respectable, with the FWD model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway. The AWD version returned slightly higher figures. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, offering a smooth ride and decent cornering abilities, although its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 L/100 km combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as some competitors. While its steering and brakes lacked precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided ample interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. Its boxy design contributed to generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator L variant offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the large windows and high driving position enhanced visibility. However, parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a long-awaited addition. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The Driver Easy Speak system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the speakers, a useful feature for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition, but lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. The Navigator included wireless charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS for its safety features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety.