2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design evolution influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar aesthetic, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, offering a commanding presence. Pricing started at just over $90,000 Canadian for the base Luxury trim, with higher trims like Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims, offering maximum luxury, were priced at $118,398. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with 4WD, included features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing the total to $119,988 Canadian.

Inside, the Escalade's cabin was a step above its predecessors, with various leather options and wood trims available. The Premium Luxury model featured Parchment leather with Tamo Ash wood, though the light-coloured carpets showed signs of wear early on. Despite the high price, some plastic elements in the interior were less than ideal. Overall, the Escalade justified its premium price better than previous models, offering a luxurious and well-equipped interior.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. It featured a bold front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The Sienna's design included integrated styling details in the rear fender well and a choice of wheel sizes, from 17-inch on base models to 20-inch on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered front cabin design and ample storage options. The second and third rows offered comfortable seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor.

The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with numerous storage cubbies and cupholders throughout. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added to its practicality. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. It also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was the preferred choice for its performance and sound. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management, allowing it to operate on as few as two cylinders for improved efficiency. The V8's fuel consumption was rated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, which matched our test results. The turbo-diesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and next-generation Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers. The 4-Corner Air Ride suspension further enhanced ride quality, minimizing unwanted motions. The Escalade excelled on highways, offering a smooth and quiet ride, and its maneuverability was impressive for its size. However, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering smooth power delivery and four selectable drive modes.

The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform with independent rear suspension. It provided a comfortable and stable ride, with minimal body roll. The hybrid powertrain delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while AWD models averaged 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior was significantly improved, with a larger and more versatile cabin. The new independent rear suspension allowed for a lower floor, increasing passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging seats available on higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs were heated, and a three-person bench seat was optional. The third-row seat offered ample legroom and comfort, a notable improvement over previous models.

Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with both rear rows down. The extended-length Escalade ESV provided even more space, with 1,214, 2,307, and 4,044 litres of cargo volume behind the third, second, and first rows, respectively.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed for family versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity.

The third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The infotainment system included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen with Gauge, AR Camera, and Map displays. However, switching between these views required navigating through menus, which was less than ideal while driving. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues during testing.

The Escalade's voice recognition system struggled with some commands, and climate control adjustments couldn't be made via voice. Physical controls on the centre console were often more convenient than the touchscreen or voice controls. The AR navigation system was a standout feature, providing clear directional guidance. The standard 19-speaker AKG sound system was impressive, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, with an 8-year trial of Service Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror on select trims, providing a clear view of the road behind.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. A Safety Alert Seat buzzed the driver when potential hazards were detected. The Escalade also featured Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included higher-speed forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. Blind spot monitoring and Toyota's Star Safety System were standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were also included.