2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays emphasized its width, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna focused on horizontal lines to create a sense of width. The seating position was higher than a sedan's, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console featured a smart bridge design, providing ample storage space. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering flexible seating configurations.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined vehicle. Updated for 2020, the XT5 carried over its snub-nosed exterior and differentiated trim levels into 2021. Standard LED lights highlighted its beefy proportions, while 20-inch wheels added to its stylish look. Inside, the XT5's design was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The cabin featured straightforward materials and thoughtful positioning, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance, rivaling only the Escalade in Cadillac's lineup.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, dulled throttle response. Four selectable drive modes allowed for some customization, with "Sport" mode offering a slightly livelier experience. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, minimizing body roll. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and AWD models slightly lower at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, which was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The Sport drive mode made shifts jittery. The V6 engine provided immediate throttle response but lacked low-end torque. The XT5's engine start-stop technology was seamless, though it affected the HVAC system during stops. FWD was standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, with AWD available. The Sport trim came standard with AWD. The XT5 AWD achieved about 25 mpg during a 2,000-mile test, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6. The base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, essential for minivans. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away, and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin offered ample storage, with 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible cargo space. Nominal cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid's 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. The Sienna could tow up to 3,500 pounds. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, a family-friendly feature.

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 were less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Heated front seats were standard, with climate-controlled seats available. The XT5 had 30 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, but benefited from a deep rear cargo area. Wheel bump-outs minimized the width of the cargo space. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage of loose items. A hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone within eyesight. The door handles lacked bottoms, causing items to slip through, and map pockets were small.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was packed with technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. Standard connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect (on XLE and above), a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect with 2 GB of data. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo on LE to a 12-speaker JBL system with Dynamic Navigation on Limited and Platinum trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum trims. A digital rearview mirror was also available on higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system and center stack, enhancing its elegant design. The climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback. The tri-zone automatic climate control had a chrome toggle switch for temperature adjustments, though it often ran colder than displayed. Heated and ventilated seats were available, with rear seats featuring 60/40 split-folding capability. The Piano Black surround of the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen housed various functionalities, including the automatic start-stop engine switch. A rotary controller on the center console aided infotainment system functionality. The XT5 came with one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, AUX port, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB-A and USB-C ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 4G LTE WiFi hot spot and 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, featuring enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was standard. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with five locations for eight-passenger vans and four for seven-passenger models. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The spare tire location was changed for safety and convenience. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5's safety features included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Not all technologies were available in all trim levels. A rear-seat reminder and rearview camera were standard. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, allowing large wildlife and hazards to be seen at a distance. The system also worked well in foggy conditions. General Motors' Teen Driver software was standard, allowing parents to limit certain vehicle features and view a report card of driving habits.