2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

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, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low stance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish quality evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of an SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The interior materials were of high quality, and the second and third rows provided ample comfort and configurability for passengers.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim, presented an attractive SUV with character-rich styling. The Black Label trim offered unique design themes like Chalet and Flight, featuring premium leather upholstery and luxury floor mats. The interior was decadent, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Nautilus was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, providing a powerful and smooth driving experience. The adaptive suspension and multiple driving modes allowed for a customizable ride, though the steering was not particularly engaging. The Nautilus excelled in comfort, with features like massaging and heated seats, making it an ideal choice for long road trips. The interior space was well-appointed, though rear legroom was somewhat limited for a midsize SUV.

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. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, offering minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and AWD models slightly lower.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 335 horsepower. The Black Label trim required AWD and featured an adaptive suspension with Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The Nautilus excelled in long-distance comfort, with features like massaging seats and a heated steering wheel. The V6 engine provided a satisfying driving experience, though the steering lacked engagement. The Nautilus achieved an average of 25 mpg on a long road trip, with a maximum range of 450 miles on the highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all doors. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering flexible cargo space with up to 101 cubic feet available. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate with kick-motion activation added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label offered a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and ambient lighting. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect trials, and a WiFi hotspot. Audio systems varied by trim, with a Premium Audio + JBL package available on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was optional, and the driver benefited from a multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Black Label trim included a 19-speaker Revel audio system and connected navigation. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for stereo and climate settings. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key technology, allowing smartphone-based access and ignition.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including dynamic radar cruise control and lane-tracing assist. It had 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. While crash-test ratings for 2021 were not available, the 2020 model received high marks from both IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, with features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Black Label added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.