2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a striking departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegance and understated styling were impressive, especially for a vehicle of its size, riding on 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly eye-catching. Inside, the Navigator offered a modern and muted interior with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test model. The attention to detail was evident in the wood trim, push-button gear selector, and floating centre console, creating a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's design, which featured a macho front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors. The Sienna's assertive profile and available 20-inch wheels added to its appeal. Inside, the Sienna prioritized functionality and comfort, with an uncluttered front cabin design and ample storage options. The second and third rows offered roomy seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The Sienna's interior was designed to accommodate families, with clever storage solutions and power-operated sliding doors and liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, provided the Navigator with a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for hauling. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an average consumption in the double digits, aligning with the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. While the Navigator offered a plush and quiet highway ride, its handling and suspension were not as refined as some competitors, with a looser steering feel and softer brakes.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trim levels. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform, which minimized body roll and provided a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's fuel consumption figures were notably efficient, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, making it an economical choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, with ample room for six adults. While technically a seven-passenger SUV, the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, offering 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L variant provided even more storage capacity. The Navigator's interior featured heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's maximum towing capacity was 1,585 kilograms. The interior featured a standard 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away, providing additional cargo space. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families on the go.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while functional, felt outdated compared to newer offerings. It lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. While not as advanced as some competitors, the Navigator's technology was straightforward and user-friendly.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, the Sienna included a range of telematics services and Bluetooth hands-free capabilities. Higher trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's technology package included a digital rearview mirror and remote keyless entry, enhancing convenience for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a unique safety feature. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control did not offer the same level of self-steering and lane tracking as some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Its comprehensive safety package made it a reliable choice for families.