2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's signature quality fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The centre console featured a gear selector, cupholders, and a large storage compartment, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel and quality materials enhanced the interior feel. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. The exterior featured a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, maintaining its traditional beefy styling. Standard features included body-colour over fenders, roof rails, and a power sliding sunroof. The Armada rode on 20- or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with a full-size spare tire included. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed, and a new exterior colour, Coulis Red Pearl, was added. Despite interior tech upgrades, the Armada's interior felt dated, with a modern upper centre stack but older design elements elsewhere. The leather seating was comfortable, but design choices like rouched material and abstract patterned plastic detracted from the aesthetic.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled CVT, which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. Four drive modes were available, with handling improved by new suspension systems. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. It featured standard 4WD and was capable off-road, with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 cm ground clearance. The Armada's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with ratings of 17.5 L/100 km city and 12.9 highway. The SUV offered a smooth highway drive, though its size made maneuvering challenging. It boasted a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kg, with standard trailer sway control and a brake controller.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, enhancing access and legroom. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage, with cargo space accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second, and 2,860 litres behind the first. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The broad interior featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though controls were distant. Front seats were 10-way power-adjustable, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 1,413 litres behind the second, and 2,692 litres with both rows folded. A power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats were standard, though the high load floor posed challenges for loading.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available SiriusXM and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with Bluetooth and Qi-compatible charging available. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, with a ceiling-mounted 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and digital rearview mirror, with remote keyless entry and push-button start standard.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a class-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A rearview camera mirror and rear-seat entertainment system were available on Platinum. The analog tachometer and speedometer were functional, though the steering wheel lacked sophistication.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and more. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with a spare tire on the LE grade. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by IIHS or NHTSA, receiving a three-star rollover rating. It featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. Additional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, with optional rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system.