2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Nissan Armada

When examining the 2021 Toyota Sienna, it was evident that Toyota's designers attempted to steer the minivan towards a more stylish direction. Despite the genre's inherent constraints, the Sienna presented a more SUV-like appearance. A wide grille enhanced its broad facade, complemented by sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated neatly into the front panel bearing the iconic Toyota logo. From the side, a noticeable assertive stance was achieved, thanks to the extensive reworking of the sliding side doors. These doors featured a sculpted body line that swooped up from the rocker panels to curve over the rear wheels, requiring innovative hinge and slide designs. The alloy wheel selections, ranging from 17 to 20 inches depending on the trim, completed the exterior's strong, stylish appearance. At the rear, the Sienna maintained a wide and low look. Overall, the fit and finish were regarded as superb, true to Toyota's reputation.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized horizontal lines, giving an open feel to the cabin. The seating provided a pleasant ride, positioned higher than a sedan but not quite as elevated as a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and clutter-free, with controls conveniently located around the center stack. A practical bridge-like center console added to the interior's functionality. The materials used throughout offered a quality feel, and the interior layout provided a balance of utility and comfort. The second and third rows were comfortably accommodating for adults, with the second-row seats sliding for maximum flexibility.

Comparatively, the 2021 Nissan Armada received a significant facelift aligning it with Nissan's new signature design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the external redesign featured a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights. These changes modernized the Armada, keeping it in step with the latest Nissan models like the Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder, while retaining its traditional rugged look. Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, LED high and low beam headlights, and power-adjustable side mirrors. Higher trims offered extras such as LED fog lights, a power sliding moonroof, and side mirrors with puddle lamps.

Wheel choices ranged from 18 to 22 inches, all aluminum alloys clad in all-season tires. The Armada boasted a full-size spare tire, rare in modern vehicles. Nissan also introduced a new logo, prominently displayed on various parts of the SUV. Despite updates, the Armada's body-on-frame build led to a design that sometimes felt dated. The Midnight Edition Package offered a host of dark accents for those interested in a more aggressive look. Several new exterior colors joined the roster, enhancing its visual appeal.

In summary, both vehicles succeeded in their respective design goals: the Sienna shifted towards a more stylish and assertive minivan feel, while the Armada maintained its beefy SUV ethos, modernized with Nissan's current design language.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked a significant milestone for Toyota as its first hybrid minivan. The hybrid engine setup combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, while AWD was available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical layout.

The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). This provided smooth and efficient power delivery, although it somewhat dulled throttle response. The hybrid maintained good fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg across the board and AWD variants getting 35/36/35 mpg combined. With improved handling from the new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, the Sienna Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with minimal body roll.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada relied on its robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel. Coupled with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Armada could be equipped with either RWD or 4WD. Despite its substantial weight, the Armada remained a capable off-roader. Its front skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, Hitachi shock absorbers, and notable ground clearance supported its rugged capabilities. The Armada's approach, departure, and breakover angles ensured decent off-road performance.

However, the fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA ratings of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined for RWD models, and slightly lower for 4WD models. The Armada's high towing capacity of 8,500 pounds was a standout feature, making it an excellent choice for trailering needs.

Overall, the Sienna focused on enhancing fuel efficiency and ride comfort through hybrid technology, while the Armada emphasized power and off-road capability with its traditional V8 engine.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna were judged heavily on convenience and functionality. The Sienna did not disappoint, offering a 60/40-split third-row bench that stored easily into the floor. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, enhancing accessibility to the third row. The cabin featured an impressive 16 cupholders, along with numerous storage cubbies and bottle holders.

Regarding cargo capacity, the Sienna was versatile, capable of carrying a four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The cargo volume measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. A towing capacity of 3,500 pounds added to its practicality. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, required a step up to enter the cabin, facilitated by running boards and handles. The spacious dashboard housed a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, but controls for the infotainment and climate systems were a reach for some passengers.

The Armada offered comfortable seating for first- and second-row occupants. The front seats were power-adjustable, and higher trims offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. However, third-row seating was not as accommodating for adults. The Armada's cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded, figures lower than some competitors. The high load floor made loading cumbersome for shorter adults.

Both vehicles offered functional interiors, but the Sienna excelled in cargo flexibility and seating arrangements, while the Armada provided robust towing capabilities.

Toyota's 2021 Sienna packed a suite of technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard on all trims, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. It 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. Higher trims featured a JBL 12-speaker audio system and an available 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system.

The driver was treated to various tech features, including a color multi-information display (ranging from 4.2 to 7 inches depending on the trim) and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display in the Platinum trim. Higher trims offered a digital rearview mirror, a convenient feature when the view was obstructed.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad, a Bose audio system, and a rearview camera mirror. Armada Platinum included all these features as standard. While the analog gauges and functional steering wheel provided necessary information and controls, they lacked a modern aesthetic.

Both vehicles offered comprehensive tech packages, with the Sienna excelling in integrated features for various uses, while the Armada provided a more extensive standard touchscreen experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and TPMS. While crash-test ratings for 2021 were pending, the 2020 model received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, comprising automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. The Armada offered additional standard features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked advanced driving assist technologies such as ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise. The Armada received a three-star rollover rating from NHTSA, indicating a 23.7% rollover risk.

Both vehicles provided comprehensive safety features, but the Sienna incorporated more advanced driver-assistance systems and received better ratings in past model years.