2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated. The vehicle occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, the simplicity of the controls made them easy to use. The Sienna was available in various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each offering a range of features. The base L trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and leather upholstery, making it a practical choice for families. The Limited trim added luxury touches like leather seats and a JBL premium audio system, while the Nightshade Edition offered a sportier look with dark accents.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the unique chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, enhancing the spacious feel. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD model featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a well-appointed interior with soft-touch materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, and the controls were user-friendly, with traditional knobs and buttons for radio and climate settings. The QX50's gear shift system combined a traditional selector with push-button park, which took some getting used to.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal mode, with a Sport mode for more spirited driving. The Sienna's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, and it was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD model delivered better fuel economy, with 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the AWD version returned 18/24 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, although its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The CVT, with simulated shift points, provided a familiar driving experience. The QX50 offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The drive mode selector allowed for adjustments in engine torque, transmission shift points, and steering effort, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness. The QX50 remained composed during various driving conditions, including a long interstate drive.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seats. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, despite being a compact vehicle, provided a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexibility in legroom or cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Cargo package added convenience for transporting items. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was seamless, and Apple CarPlay integration worked flawlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also included Infiniti's Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on all but the base trim. The QX50 received four stars for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for front crash prevention.