2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Toyota Sienna used its long lineage in the minivan segment to consistently shape its visual and aesthetic appeal. Since its debut in 1998, the Sienna evolved significantly, culminating in the fourth-generation model launched in the 2021 model year. Toyota did not shy away from the "minivan" label; instead, it embraced it while giving the Sienna SUV-like elements. The Sienna had a bold front-end design, cleverly hidden door sliders, and a robust body stance that gave it a pronounced and assertive profile. Standard 17-inch wheels could graduate to 18- or 20-inch wheels in higher trims, enhancing the vehicle's prominent presence. Inside, the Sienna sought to avoid a utilitarian feel by offering a sophisticated, uncluttered cabin design.

Spaciousness was a core tenet of the Sienna’s interior, offering generous seating, especially with second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans in some trims. The third row featured a 60/40-split bench that could quickly stow away to provide extra cargo space. The thoughtful integration of smart storage solutions, including a vast under-console storage area and numerous cupholders, underscored its commitment to family functionality.

In stark contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made an unapologetic statement with its imposing presence. This massive SUV distinguished itself with a refined but assertive look, featuring a grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights scaled to match its immense size. Its tall hood and locomotive-inspired front end, along with vertical running lights and horizontal headlights, ensured that the Escalade stood out among full-size SUVs. Cadillac's attention to detail was evident in the different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, offering a tailored visual appeal for various customer preferences.

Alongside its noticeable 22-inch wheels, which almost appeared undersized relative to its vast body, the Escalade carried over the same body-on-frame architecture found in other GM full-size SUVs. Although designed with luxury in mind, it never shied away from displaying its robust roots, making it clear that it was built for both style and substance. Internally, it presented all the hallmarks of luxury—leather upholstery and wood trim—but struggled with a cohesive design theme, sometimes feeling more like a high-end version of its GM siblings rather than a unique Cadillac product.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna exclusively featured a hybrid powertrain, carrying over from its 2021 redesign. This setup combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a total of 243 horsepower, establishing it as an eco-friendly yet capable family vehicle. The availability of both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options provided flexibility for differing driving conditions. The AWD system included a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels, contributing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque, simplifying the mechanical setup and ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery through an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Sienna’s handling exceeded expectations for a minivan, credited to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Its front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension minimized body roll, providing a comfortable highway experience. The hybrid powertrain's hallmark was its impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg across the board for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. This exceptional fuel economy bolstered the Sienna’s reputation as a practical, cost-effective choice for families.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, in contrast, provided a choice between two potent powertrains. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 delivered a robust 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, a $100 option for a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, producing 277 hp and an equal 460 lb-ft of torque, was available. Both engine options were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and customers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional four-wheel drive (4WD).

In our tests, the Escalade diesel showed excellent performance, with smooth power delivery and substantial torque aiding acceleration from stops. However, its very firm brake pedal lessened confidence in stopping power. Towing capacity was another point of interest; the gasoline engine could tow up to 8,200 pounds, slightly more than the diesel's capacity of 8,100 pounds. However, the Escalade’s ride lacked the refinement expected of a luxury vehicle. Despite having independent rear suspension and available air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dampers, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled and transmitted road imperfections into the cabin. Furthermore, the Escalade did not offer the off-road capabilities found in some competitors, limiting its versatility in rugged scenarios.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna cemented its status as a versatile family vehicle with impressive interior space and functionality. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, highlighting its expansive cargo capacity. With the second-row seats sliding to optimize cargo and passenger space, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The minivan's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, making it suitable for light towing needs.

Sienna’s interior was replete with thoughtful storage options and convenience features, such as power-operated sliding side doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers. These features facilitated easy access when carrying groceries or young children, enhancing the vehicle's practical appeal. Each seating row came with ample storage cubbies and cupholders, ensuring long trips remained organized and comfortable.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, with its shared GM full-size SUV architecture, offered a cavernous cabin. The standard Escalade was 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV model stretched to 227 inches. This extensive platform allowed for remarkable first-row and third-row legroom, though the Lincoln Navigator offered more headroom for second-row passengers. The Escalade came standard with second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat. A power-folding 60/40 bench could replace the captain’s chairs at no extra cost.

In terms of cargo space, the Escalade excelled with 25.5 cubic feet available with all seats in place, expanding to 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While the Escalade outdid the Navigator in cargo capacity, it struggled with minor functionality issues, such as limited storage space in the raised center console. Nonetheless, it offered convenient features like 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support, despite the temporary unavailability of the latter due to the chip shortage.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a wealth of standard and available technology to cater to modern families. A 9-inch touchscreen was standard, equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, multiple USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. However, the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a notable oversight. Higher trims gained additional tech features, including a 12-speaker JBL system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display.

Advanced telematics services such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect (on XLE and above) and a 10-year Service Connect trial appealed to tech-savvy consumers. The Sienna also had a standard color multi-information display, ranging from 4.2 to 7 inches depending on the trim, and a 10-inch color head-up display on Platinum models. This feature ensured that essential driving information was always in the driver’s line of sight.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade’s technological suite was spearheaded by a sophisticated 38-inch curved OLED display comprising three interconnected screens. It included a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch central touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen primarily for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity, were standard. Cadillac’s attention to detail in integrating the display into the overall interior design was commendable, providing both aesthetic appeal and user-friendly functionality.

While some features like the carousel format for radio stations were less intuitive, the high-resolution displays significantly aided the 360-degree camera system, offering unparalleled clarity. The Escalade also boasted a head-up display and could be equipped with state-of-the-art features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, despite being challenging to tune, rounded out the Escalade’s impressive tech offerings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The standard Star Safety System featuring traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution further bolstered occupant protection.

The Sienna’s safety features also encompassed 10 airbags, several LATCH child-seat connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. These elements combined to make it a very family-friendly option. The tire-pressure monitoring and inflator kit were standard, with an option for a more conveniently located spare tire in the wall of the cargo space.

For the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, standard driver-assist technologies included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning, all enhanced by Cadillac’s vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with trailer blind-spot monitoring available on top-tier models.

One of the standout features was Cadillac’s Super Cruise, a highly advanced driver-assist system offering hands-free driving on certain pre-mapped highways. Although occasionally temperamental, Super Cruise provided smooth and natural handling, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

Unfortunately, the Escalade lacked crash test ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA for this model year, leaving a gap in its overall safety evaluation compared to the highly-rated Sienna.