2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

At first glance, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 was unmistakably linked to its sibling, the Nissan Armada, sharing a similar platform, mechanics, and general layout. This wasn’t a downside, as both SUVs were quite aesthetically pleasing. The QX80 managed to present itself as appropriately sized, striking a balance between being not too big and not too small.

From the A-pillar backward, the QX80 and Armada had their similarities, but the QX80’s front-end styling stood out thanks to Infiniti's distinctive grille. This grille was prominent without being overwhelming, contrasting favorably with some rivals. The integration of LED lighting at the front and back was tasteful, and the restrained use of chrome lent a sophisticated and upscale look. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, standard on Premium Select and above trims, were notably stylish and elevated the vehicle’s exterior appeal.

Inside, the QX80’s cabin featured unique, upscale materials compared to the Armada, although Nissan's design influence was still noticeable. The Sensory-trim model we tested boasted tasteful wood trim and beautifully stitched, quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite these elegant touches, the QX80's style seemed to lose its edge in the rapidly evolving luxury SUV market, where expectations were sky-high.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to move beyond the traditional minivan aesthetic. With inspiration seemingly drawn from a Japanese bullet train, the Sienna’s front-end styling was a clear attempt to shift away from the stereotypical minivan look. The Sienna offered various trim levels—LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, Platinum, and the special 25th Anniversary Edition—each bringing its own flavor to the table.

The XLE trim, likely the choice of many value-conscious buyers, added practical features like LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate, all essential for families with children. Inside, the Sienna proved to be easy to love. The Platinum trim we tested featured high-quality brown leather upholstery and attractive wood-grain accents on the center console.

Offering flexible seating arrangements, the Sienna could accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The LE and XLE trims provided the larger seating capacity. What’s more, the eight-seater variant allowed for three car seats to be secured in the middle row using LATCH anchors—an ideal setup for larger families.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was one of the QX80’s highlights, offering strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. Despite its large size, the engine allowed for swift acceleration, and the seven-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and manual mode ensured smooth and seamless power distribution.

While the transmission might have lacked a couple of gears compared to competitors, it made up for it with its efficient gear shifting and responsive kickdown for overtaking. However, the 5.6-liter V8 consumed a considerable amount of fuel and required premium fuel, which could be a downside.

The QX80’s 4WD system with a computer-controlled transfer case offered various driving modes, including Automatic, 4Hi, and 4Lo, enhancing its off-road capability. With a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, the QX80 could tackle challenging terrain. Its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, standard on the Sensory trim, maintained stability during cornering and lane changes. However, it was important for owners to be cautious with the low-profile tires when off-roading.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. This setup produced a combined 245 horsepower, which felt underpowered for the Sienna’s size and weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) didn’t enhance the experience, as it tended to stretch the engine's power, resulting in lackluster acceleration and an uninspiring exhaust note compared to more muscular minivan competitors like the Honda Odyssey.

However, the Sienna’s chassis and steering were its redeeming qualities in performance. The minivan was surprisingly nimble for its size, handling city driving and highway cruising with ease. Multiple drive modes were offered—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport—but Normal mode was the most practical, as Eco mode overly extended gear ratios and dulled throttle response, while Sport mode didn’t significantly alter the driving dynamics.

Climbing into the 2022 Infiniti QX80 was more like scaling a small mountain, given its nearly two-foot step-in height, a consequence of its body-on-frame construction. Once inside, the QX80 offered a spacious and open cabin. While front head- and legroom were satisfactory, they didn't match luxury competitors like the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. Sideview mirrors seemed undersized, though this didn't significantly affect rearward visibility.

The QX80 featured a power-sliding moonroof, though it was smaller than the panoramic options found in some competitors. The SUV could seat up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, while the standard configuration accommodated seven with captain's chairs. However, the third row lacked sufficient space for adults or taller children. Cargo space was modest for the segment, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna thrived on storage solutions with its thoughtful and practical interior layout. It offered ample space for personal items, including a large open cubby below the center console and a long shelf perfect for phones, with higher trims including a wireless charging pad. Additionally, the Sienna provided a substantial bin in the center console and numerous cupholders for all passengers.

Measuring over 200 inches in length and built on a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna made the most of its minivan platform, featuring a deep floor that offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 101 cubic feet. However, the middle-row seats couldn't be fully removed or folded into the floor like some competitors. The second-row captain’s chairs could slide forward and backward, providing genuine legroom for third-row passengers.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 had an older design and architecture, which was evident in its technology offerings. A new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display served as the infotainment center, supporting Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation with lane guidance and Infiniti InTouch connected services were also included. A Bose 13-speaker premium sound system came standard, with the Sensory trim boasting a 17-speaker Bose Performance Series system. The vehicle also featured a wireless smartphone charger and multiple USB ports.

However, the dual-screen rear entertainment system was a letdown due to the lack of HDMI adapters required for external media devices, disappointing young passengers during long trips. Additionally, the QX80 lacked Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older vehicle systems architecture.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Sienna employed Toyota’s older infotainment interface, which included core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The minivan also provided physical buttons, which some drivers might prefer over touchscreen buttons as they typically require less attention to use. However, the interface felt outdated and clunky. For instance, Android Auto required a wired connection and lacked a dedicated button, tile, or icon for easy access.

Despite its dated tech, the 9-inch touchscreen didn't seem undersized in person, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 was well-equipped with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-departure prevention, forward-collision warning, backup collision intervention, a smart rearview mirror, and adaptive cruise control. New additions in 2022 were driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and second-row outboard seat belt pre-tensioners. However, NHTSA had rated the QX80 with only three out of five stars for rollover resistance, and IIHS had not rated it for safety.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features were crucial for a family-oriented vehicle. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and the 2022 model was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to safety.