2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options 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 emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding to maximize space and utility.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 mixed traditional Cadillac design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in an unmistakable yet somewhat ungainly look. The Premium Luxury and Sport models had distinct exterior styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim and a mesh grille. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels on Luxury and Premium Luxury models, and 20-inch wheels on Sport models, added to its visual appeal. Inside, the XT5 felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which included semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfiber sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme, making it less distinctive compared to other luxury brands.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a less responsive throttle. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes and featured improved handling thanks to new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Its EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled in providing a comfortable ride. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, offering a quick ratio without being overly sensitive. The XT5's cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. Cargo handling was a strong point, with the ability to carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside. 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 Sienna could tow up to 3,500 pounds and cleverly tucked its hybrid battery under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but less rear headroom. It had more legroom in both rows compared to its German rivals. The seats were fairly comfortable but could have used more padding. Cargo space was 30 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available. Up front, a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage, compensating for the limited space on the center console.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered 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 on higher trims. Audio systems ranged 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, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the array of secondary controls was less user-friendly. The standard audio system was an eight-speaker Bose setup, with an optional 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included 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. It also had the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, rear pedestrian alert, surround-vision camera, night vision, and automatic parking assist. The XT5 received top safety scores from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.