2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and curved hood with athletic bulges gave it a sporty appearance. The rear featured a unique chrome strip, adding character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, offering stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 boasted soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions. Controls were user-friendly, though the mix of traditional and push-button gear selectors was somewhat confusing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling. Its macho front end and re-engineered sliding doors gave it a modern look. The interior was designed for family convenience, with ample storage, cupholders, and comfortable seating in all rows. The second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a spacious third-row bench added to its versatility. The third row easily folded into the floor, and the second-row seats slid for easy access. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it an ideal family vehicle.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The engine operated smoothly, though the CVT's simulated shift points were noticeable. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50 handled well on various surfaces, and the drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes. Sport mode provided brisk acceleration, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The CVT delivered power smoothly and efficiently, enhancing fuel economy. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to its front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The EPA rated the FWD Sienna Hybrid at 36 mpg city/highway/combined, while the AWD model achieved 35 mpg. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered 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 flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Cargo package included a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight. 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 had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience.

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 easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar and moving-object detection made parking easier. ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

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. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Platinum trim featured a 10-inch head-up display, and Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection. The vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system received a Superior rating.

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