2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's 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 design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of an SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The centre console featured a bridge design, providing smart storage solutions, while the second and third-row seats offered comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetic size and distinct styling. Its front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design elements emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against its vast sheet metal. The SUV offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright or darkened exterior trims. Sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade provided a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it lacked a cohesive design theme, and some materials appeared less premium. Despite these shortcomings, the Escalade's interior was spacious, offering ample legroom and cargo space, although some functionality issues were noted, such as limited storage space in the centre console.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The hybrid system delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The diesel engine, despite lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a low torque peak, enhancing performance. The gasoline engine offered a higher towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms, slightly more than the diesel. However, the Escalade's ride was less refined, with body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to an unsettled ride. The Escalade lacked off-road capabilities compared to its GM counterparts, making it less suitable for rugged terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 centimetres of sliding range, enhancing legroom flexibility and third-row access. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among luxury SUVs, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench. Cargo space was generous, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats, though adjustable, lacked the premium feel expected in a luxury SUV. Cadillac included practical features like dedicated seat heating and ventilation buttons, enhancing comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured additional tech, such as a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry, with Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens for a comprehensive infotainment experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, with functional icon arrangements. However, some features, like the radio station carousel and rotary controller, were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance features like cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system for hands-free highway driving. However, safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.