2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. At first glance, it presented a more SUV-like appearance with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays. The side profile showcased assertive lines, with reworked sliding side doors that added a sculpted look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. From the rear, the Sienna 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 but not quite the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console featured a smart bridge design, providing ample storage space. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The front end was dramatic, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The rear elevation was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with horizontal lines and layers on the dash. The Autograph trim level featured quilted leather upholstery on the seats and dash. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was perfectly placed for driver visibility, and the TFT instrument panel delivered crisp graphics. The center console's controls were simple and intuitive, contributing to a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combined to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. Four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered some flexibility in driving experience. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension significantly improved handling, minimizing body roll. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, 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 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing model's CVT. This change significantly improved driving feel, with clean and crisp shifts. The familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, using premium unleaded fuel. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models, and 20/25/22 mpg for AWD models. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, delivered a smooth and serene ride. The vehicle's size and weight were evident, but Infiniti managed to tame body roll effectively. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering a comfortable ride for passengers in all three rows.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, essential for minivans. The third row was a standard 60/40-split bench that stored away easily, and the second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, a family-friendly feature.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, while not a minivan, offered impressive functionality. The three-row SUV featured storage throughout the cabin, charging ports, and plenty of comfort. The front center console had a cubby for smartphones, big cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid on rails, with a 60/40 split bench in lower trims and twin captain’s chairs in the Autograph trim. The third row was roomy enough for adults, with easy access. The QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity 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 hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi-compatible charging available. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package with Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available in Platinum trim. A digital rearview mirror was also available, enhancing visibility when the cabin was full.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 met high expectations for technology. Full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and adaptive front lighting were available. The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display offered wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot could connect up to seven devices. USB charge points were spread throughout the cabin, with a wireless charging pad standard on higher trims. The navigation system, powered by TomTom, was standard on all but the base trim. Infiniti InTouch services provided connectivity features via a smartphone app. The Autograph trim featured a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. Audio systems ranged from a nine-speaker setup to a 17-speaker Bose Performance series.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including 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 had 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. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, and similar ratings were expected for the 2021 model.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a comprehensive suite of safety features. It had front- and side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and second-row side-impact airbags. Advanced driver assistance systems included forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera, rear sonar, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all but the base trim. Optional features included blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, around-view monitor camera system, front sonar, and driver attention alert. The previous-generation QX60 received high safety ratings, and similar ratings were expected for the 2022 model.