2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, 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 quality evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, providing ample storage and convenience features, while the second and third-row seats offered flexibility and comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end that drew mixed reviews. The interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhanced the technological experience, while the Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension and electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator's spacious interior offered exceptional comfort, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, and generous cargo space, especially in the long-wheelbase configuration.

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. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and its fuel efficiency was impressive, with ratings of 6.6 L/100 km for FWD models and 6.8 L/100 km for AWD models.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, with Road Preview technology, enhanced ride comfort, while the new electronic brake booster improved braking feel. The Navigator's 4WD system, combined with its ground clearance and traction settings, ensured confident performance in various conditions. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, with the test drive averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row seat that folded into the floor and a second row that slid up to 63.5 cm for flexible legroom. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all 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.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a suite of connectivity options. Higher trims offered 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 and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user profiles. The voice recognition system was enhanced, though not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. 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 the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. The surround-view camera system was newly standard. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required.