2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a distinct presence, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and luxurious interior set it apart. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents, making it a standout in its class. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes, high-quality materials, and tight panel gaps. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased fine details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, added to the overall comfort and luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend SUV style with minivan practicality. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the sliding door channels. The overall profile was assertive, with 17-inch wheels standard on base models and up to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and clever storage solutions. The second and third rows offered roomy seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could easily store away into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, matching the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. The steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with four selectable drive modes. Handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to the TNGA platform's suspension and steering. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and Toyota offered a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for the battery.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers. The boxy shape provided 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased storage to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. However, parking the large vehicle was challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 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 third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer models. The infotainment system was intuitive but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment options included Roku media streaming and various connections. The system's simplicity was a relief compared to more complex competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna 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 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display and an optional 10-inch head-up display on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as competitors.

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 featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.