2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. Introduced in 2011, the Sienna had a few upscale touches but was often overshadowed by its age, particularly noticeable in the hollow sound of its front doors and the outdated instrument panel. However, this simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition aimed to add a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. With a $92,000 MSRP, the Navigator Reserve impressed with its understated luxury, featuring a Pristine White exterior, 22-inch wheels, and a light show upon locking or unlocking. Inside, the Navigator offered seven color palettes and high-quality materials, with Black Label trims elevating the luxury further. The Perfect Position seats provided 30 adjustments, ensuring comfort for all passengers. While the Navigator's interior was plush and refined, it lacked some of the advanced tech features found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through 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, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive option offered slightly lower figures. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Its towing capacity was impressive, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was less favorable, averaging in the teens, but the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power. While its suspension and steering were not as precise as some competitors, the Navigator's overall performance was commendable.

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, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing additional accessibility.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The second-row seats were heated and featured a three-zone climate system, though they lacked electric reclining. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, enhancing the driving experience. Despite its size, the Navigator's visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, 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 Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer competitors, but its software was intuitive and unique to Lincoln. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered 4G WiFi, wireless charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku streaming and various connectivity options. The Navigator's tech was straightforward, providing a relief from overly complex systems found in some luxury vehicles.

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 higher ones. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS for its safety features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, where it scored four stars for 4WD models and three for RWD models. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.