2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, representing the third generation of its nameplate, found itself somewhat burdened by age. Originally introduced in 2011 and refreshed in 2018, the 2020 model carried noticeable datedness despite occasional upscale hints. A glaring indicator of this was the hollow "thud" emitted when slamming the front doors, a clear oversight in fit and finish that many manufacturers aim to eliminate. The instrument panel bore a simplistic design, a legacy from Toyota's 2010 parts bin. Although this simplicity benefited ease of use, it underscored the Sienna's aged aesthetic.

Trim offerings for the 2020 Sienna ranged from the base L to various configurations of SE and XLE, up to the Limited Premium. Each trim level added incremental improvements, from the basic yet well-equipped L with its 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay. The SE trim, particularly recommended by CarGurus for its inclusion of a power rear liftgate, sported 19-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery. The top-tier Limited Premium added luxurious touches like HID headlights and rain-sensing wipers, along with a JBL premium audio system.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade embodied luxury and modernity, drawing significant design inspiration from the Escala concept vehicle. The redesigned face was its standout feature, with sleek lines and a commanding presence. The new model debuted standard 22-inch wheels, crisp body creases, and towering OLED taillights extending up to the roofline. The Escalade’s imposing exterior hinted at its upscale interior.

Cadillac offered the Escalade starting at $76,195, equipped with leatherette upholstery and rear-wheel drive, although most buyers opted for the more luxurious Premium Luxury or Sport trims, with the ultimate Platinum trim upgrade pushing the price near the six-figure mark. Our test vehicle, the 4WD Premium Luxury, boasted a host of features totaling $102,310. Despite its high price, the Escalade justified its premium through a high-quality cabin, marked by semi-aniline leather, varied wood trims, and soft-touch materials. However, the plastic lower dashboard and door panels were somewhat disappointing at this price level.

Powering all trims of the 2020 Toyota Sienna was a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna's performance varied based on the driving mode; Sport mode invigorated throttle and shift responses, while the inherent manual mode was seldom needed unless towing the 3,500-pound capacity. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all but the base trim. This AWD added an extra safety assurance, although buyers would need to forgo the 8-passenger configuration for a 7-passenger setup.

Fuel economy for the FWD Sienna reached 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, whereas AWD models achieved slightly lower numbers at 18/24/20. Handling for the Sienna, aided by its low center of gravity and broad base, was notably stable and smooth. Despite its size, it cornered well, offering drivers significant confidence. However, the Sienna's steering was twitchy at higher speeds, necessitating constant attention to maintain lane alignment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and an optional 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8 was a popular choice, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, adeptly routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided robust acceleration for the hefty SUV. Fuel economy for the 4WD V8 was estimated at 16 mpg combined, with observed efficiency at approximately 15.9 mpg on a test loop.

The Escalade’s V8 engine featured advanced technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic start/stop system to enhance fuel efficiency. The turbo-diesel, generating 277 horsepower, offered the same torque as the V8 but delivered it sooner in the rev range, promising an engaging driving experience. An independent rear suspension and next-generation Magnetic Ride Control paired with 4-Corner Air Ride suspension greatly improved the Escalade's ride and handling. It deftly managed body motions and provided a smooth, controlled ride across various terrains, with Sport mode further enhancing stability. Nevertheless, brake pedal modulation could have been better.

A critical measure of a minivan’s utility, the 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity, offering class-leading 150 cubic feet of space. However, this expansive volume was accessible only with the second-row seats removed, a straightforward task with captain’s chairs but cumbersome with a bench seat. While the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey provided less cargo space, their stowable seats offered easier configuration changes. The Sienna's third-row seats folded flat into the floor, though accessing them was somewhat awkward. An advantage unique to Toyota was the Auto Access Seat for enhanced mobility, a thoughtful addition for families requiring such features.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade benefited from its new independent rear suspension design, which allowed a lower floor and thus greater interior space. This design, combined with a longer wheelbase, provided notable improvements in passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Front-seat occupants enjoyed heated and optionally ventilated and massaging seats, with power seat adjustments delivering optimal comfort. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat available at no extra cost, and the third row now offered adult-worthy comfort.

Cargo capacity for the standard Escalade stood at 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63 cubic feet with those seats folded down and maxing out at 109.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more room, with 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row and maxing out at an impressive 126.6 cubic feet.

The base trim of the 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Toyota’s proprietary software. Additional standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a six-month trial. Higher trims, like the Limited model, added navigation and a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak system, included in our test model, allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the rear speakers, enhancing ease of handling familial conversations during drives.

For the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, technology was a standout. It featured a cutting-edge OLED curved-glass display stretching 38 inches, comprising instrumentation and infotainment screens. Despite its high-tech nature, the system was user-friendly for those accustomed to modern smartphones. However, navigating through menus to switch between different display views was cumbersome. Voice recognition had limitations, particularly with locating specific destinations and lacking climate control adjustments via voice commands.

Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with seamless pairing for music streaming and calls. However, issues with Apple CarPlay compatibility were noted. The 19-speaker AKG premium sound system, standard on all trims, provided directional navigation instructions tied to the SUV’s speakers, enhancing the driving experience. Optional upgrades included a 36-speaker AKG Reference system and a full-color head-up display that offered comprehensive data visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna prioritized safety with its standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite. This included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional blind-spot monitoring was standard on higher trims like the XLE and Limited. The Sienna earned top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring robust crash safety.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade leveraged its sheer size as a fundamental safety measure. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking up to 50 mph, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat issued alerts via vibrations, enhancing driver awareness. Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, a surround-view camera, and a rear-seat reminder were also standard. The Premium Luxury trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included higher-speed emergency braking, rear emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, some false alarms during testing highlighted areas for improvement. Cadillac's upcoming Super Cruise technology promised advanced autonomous driving capabilities, adding to the Escalade’s long-distance cruising appeal.