2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 INFINITI QX50

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance with its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with sculpted sliding doors that added a dynamic touch. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches complemented the design, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The interior was thoughtfully designed with a bridge-like center console, ample storage, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, providing a pleasant driving experience. The second and third rows were spacious, with the second row offering sliding capabilities for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering prowess. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty look, while the unique chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, enhancing the airy feel. However, visibility was slightly compromised by thick B-pillars and a short rear window. The interior boasted soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, and the controls were user-friendly, with traditional knobs and buttons for radio and climate settings. The QX50's cabin was spacious, with ample legroom and sliding second-row seats for flexibility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, offering minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, achieving 36 mpg in both city and highway driving for FWD models, and slightly lower for AWD versions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Its VC-Turbo engine technology adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The CVT, while refined, still exhibited some droning typical of such transmissions. The QX50 offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. It included a drive mode selector with four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency, albeit at the cost of acceleration.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage, with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight 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 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

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 space management. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Cargo package added practical features like a reversible cargo area protector and nets. The QX50 also included numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, ensuring convenience for all passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and, in Platinum models, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and a Smart Key System were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch Services. It offered seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The navigation system was less intuitive than CarPlay, but the Around View Monitor with sonar and moving-object detection aided parking. ProPilot Assist, available on all but the base trim, combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, enhancing the driving experience on long trips.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and high crash protection ratings from IIHS.