2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Nissan Armada

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 added an assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. 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 second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, measuring 208.9 inches long, 75.8 inches tall, and 79.9 inches wide. Its exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome. The Armada's tailgate had a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps. Available in seven colors, the Armada was beautifully finished with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 inches on the S and SV models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum, which filled the wheel arches and added sparkle. The interior was designed for comfort and style, with power-adjustable bucket seats in the first row and either a fold-flat bench seat or captain's chairs in the second row. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat was roomy enough for three across and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions.

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 delivered power smoothly but tended to blunt throttle response. Handling was significantly improved over the outgoing model, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The big news for the Sienna Hybrid 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 Nissan Armada came with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available, both using a seven-speed automatic transmission. RWD models earned an EPA rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, while 4WD versions were rated at 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The Armada could carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped. Its four-wheel independent suspension delivered a supple, controlled ride, even on rutted roads. The standard 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution provided reliable stopping power.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was designed with convenience in mind, featuring a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The cabin had 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside 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. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated and responded to kick motions for easy access.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was built to transport seven to eight people in comfort and style. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered either a fold-flat bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat was roomy enough for three across and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada had nine cupholders and four bottle holders throughout the cabin, along with ample storage cubbies. It offered 16.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed a ton of standard and available technology features, including a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It came with 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 on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo on the LE to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers on the Limited and Platinum. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, a remote, and two wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured standard NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad, NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, a rear-view monitor, satellite radio capability, and a proximity key with push-button start. The audio system for the base S trim included four speakers, while the SL and Platinum models boasted a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier. All models came with USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. Platinum models included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and HDMI input.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System was also standard, featuring 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, along with a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system was standard, and an inflator kit was included, with an optional spare tire. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard passive and active safety features. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 featured high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other active safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, and rear-door alert. The Armada had dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. A trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were standard on higher trims. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.