2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh 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 The vehicle occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, detracted from its modernity. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna was available in various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each offering a range of features like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment options, including Apple CarPlay.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 debut, showcased a sharp design with crisp lines and chrome accents, drawing inspiration from the larger Navigator. Inside, the Aviator distinguished itself with a comfortable and warm cabin, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter added a unique touch, and the vehicle's soothing chimes contributed to its luxurious ambiance. The Aviator offered trims like Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each adding layers of luxury and technology, such as leather upholstery, advanced climate control, and premium audio systems.

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 a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive configuration provided the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the optional all-wheel drive, available on all trims except the base L, offered added traction. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, though its steering could feel twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid powertrain, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric range. The Aviator's drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its highway performance. However, its long wheelbase and body roll made city driving less composed.

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. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for added comfort. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

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

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and redundant controls. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy access. The Aviator also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with clear graphics.

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 top scores from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.