2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements. Its body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. The QX80's front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design introduced in 2018. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base model and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its assertive yet refined look. Inside, the QX80's interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing its luxurious feel. However, some elements, like the foot-operated parking brake, detracted from its high-end appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling. Its macho front end and re-engineered door hinges, which concealed the slider channel, gave it a sleek profile. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor. The second-row seats slid up to 25 inches, making access to the third row easy. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and comfort, with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, and a flexible cargo area capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with a 4WD option available. The V8 engine provided responsive performance, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, delivered a comfortable ride, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, but its size and lack of off-road aids limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with an AWD option available. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The hybrid powertrain delivered excellent fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's battery pack was tucked under the front seats, contributing to its efficient design.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration with a bench seat. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, an eight-way front passenger’s seat, and a driver’s memory system. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The center console provided limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo flexibility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo space measured 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's third-row bench folded easily into the floor, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience. The Sienna's interior was designed for family use, with flexible seating and storage options.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades to a 17-speaker system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The user interface was complex, with multiple controls that were not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features for driving the large SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. The Sienna lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on Platinum models, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna's 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 featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit, with an optional spare tire.