2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, evolving its models over the years. The Sienna, with its fourth-generation debut in 2021, embraced a design that blended SUV aesthetics with traditional minivan functionality. Its exterior featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to family needs. The interior design avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a comfortable and uncluttered environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, yet it distinguished itself with unique front-end styling and upscale materials. The QX80's exterior was marked by a prominent Infiniti grille and tasteful chrome accents, complemented by stylish 22-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin featured luxurious touches like quilted leather seats and wood trim, though its design was beginning to show its age compared to newer competitors. While the QX80 offered a comfortable and upscale interior, it struggled to meet the high expectations set by the premium full-size SUV market, where competitors offered more modern and advanced features.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform, which minimized body roll and enhanced ride comfort. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with Natural Resources Canada rating it at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for FWD models.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, boasted a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and linear power delivery. The QX80's four-wheel-drive system, based on the Nissan Patrol's off-road capabilities, offered settings for various terrains, enhancing its versatility. Despite its size and weight, the QX80 managed to control body lean effectively, thanks to the available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. However, its fuel consumption was notably high, and it required premium fuel, which could be a consideration for potential buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed with practicality in mind, offering a versatile interior that could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats provided flexibility for cargo and passenger arrangements, with cargo space measuring 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, especially for families with busy lifestyles.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its tall ride height, required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered a spacious and airy cabin. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was somewhat limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats added convenience, though their operation was slower than some might prefer.

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, it included a range of telematics services and a rear-seat entertainment system on higher trims. The Sienna's audio system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system, providing quality sound for all passengers.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Bose 17-speaker sound system was standard, delivering premium audio quality. The QX80 also offered a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, though the lack of HDMI adapters was a drawback. Notably, the QX80 did not include Infiniti's ProPilot Assist, a feature available in less expensive models, due to its older vehicle systems architecture.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was highly rated for safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention alert. However, it received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model earning four stars for overall crash protection. The absence of ratings from the IIHS left some uncertainty regarding its safety performance.