2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

Cadillac had been working to restore its reputation for refinement, and the 2021 XT5 was a testament to that effort. The SUV carried over the 40 upgrades introduced in the 2020 model, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology. The exterior featured a more snub-nosed design with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sophisticated look. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, especially in the Premium Luxury trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend minivan practicality with SUV styling. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered sliding doors that tucked into the body, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating with available captain’s chairs and a spacious bench in the third row. The Sienna also boasted a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The Luxury and Premium Luxury models came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on the Sport trim, delivered 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided immediate throttle response but could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6. The base engine offered 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with an AWD option that added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four selectable drive modes. The TNGA platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults in two rows, though it technically fit five with a three-seat bench in the second row. The back seat had limited headroom for tall occupants, but legroom was good in both rows. The front seats, while heated, were not as comfortable on long trips. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors but with a deep rear area. However, wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The cargo-management system and hands-free programmable height liftgate added convenience, though small-item storage was limited.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rotary controller. The climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback. The XT5 offered a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, and a rear camera mirror. The infotainment system included an eight-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB ports. A head-up display and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system were available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display, a head-up display in Platinum trims, and a digital rearview mirror. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. The Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit.