2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added a touch of assertiveness. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The interior was designed for practicality, featuring a bridge-like center console with ample storage and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The second and third rows provided comfort for adults, with the second row offering flexibility for maximum utility.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements, with a body-on-frame construction that retained a truck-like ride. Its front-end styling, introduced in 2018, gave the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights enhanced its presence, while wheel sizes ranged from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the QX80's design closely resembled the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. Despite its luxurious feel, the interior lacked exclusivity, with some features like a foot-operated parking brake detracting from its high-end appeal. Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading, and the cargo space was somewhat limited compared to rivals.

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, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 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 QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a truck-like ride, but its independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature ensured a comfortable experience. Despite some shudders over bumps, the QX80 offered a quiet interior. However, its handling in corners was less composed, with noticeable body roll. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, though its size could be a liability on tight trails.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, offering a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. 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 battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, with an optional eight-seat setup. Front seats featured power adjustments and lumbar support, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo space was limited, with 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 rear rows folded. The power liftgate and power-folding third row facilitated cargo handling. The center console provided limited storage, and front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks securely.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. 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. Bluetooth and Qi-compatible charging were standard, with audio systems ranging from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility when the cabin was full.

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, and a WiFi hotspot. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with an optional 17-speaker system and a Theater Package for rear-seat entertainment. The interface was cluttered, with analog controls and touchscreens that were not user-friendly. The Smart Rearview Mirror provided a streaming-video display, eliminating blind spots, and the Around View Monitor offered a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna was equipped with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were pending, but the 2020 model received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from 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, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Backup Collision Intervention was also standard, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features.