2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile featured assertive lines, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced its stance, while the rear maintained a wide and low appearance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and smart features like a tray for a handbag. The second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its sharp design, characterized by crisp lines and chrome accents, reminiscent of the larger Navigator. The Aviator's interior was a testament to comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a center console that elegantly rose to meet the 10.1-inch touchscreen. The cabin featured a piano button shifter and soothing chimes, enhancing the luxury feel. The Aviator offered various trims, each adding layers of luxury and technology, from synthetic leather upholstery and tri-zone climate control in the Standard trim to massaging Multi-Contour Seats in the Grand Touring. The rear seat area was well-equipped with USB ports and climate controls, while the Black Label trims added even more premium features like a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 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 front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. Its standout feature was its fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in the city and on the highway, and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator offered brisk acceleration and a smooth power delivery, though its size made it less agile in tight spaces. The drive mode selector included options like "Excite" and "Conserve," reflecting its focus on comfort rather than performance.

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 boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage, while the cargo area could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo space measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendliness.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, featured captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat and climate settings. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about battery failure.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered various connectivity trials, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and higher trims featured a digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch Head-Up Display.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with redundant controls and a fully digital instrument panel. The optional head-up display provided clear graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It had 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. While 2021 crash-test ratings were pending, the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.