2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the regular Escalade's 211.9 inches, which enhanced its cargo space. The ESV's wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions. The vehicle's exterior was adorned with chrome or blacked-out accents, depending on the trim level, and rode on 22-inch wheels. Despite its luxurious appearance, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its high-end price point.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels for a sleek profile. The interior was designed with family functionality in mind, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The Sienna's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating across all rows and a third-row bench that easily folded into the floor. The minivan's design allowed for versatile cargo configurations, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, impacted its performance, particularly when towing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. The EPA rated the FWD Sienna Hybrid at 36 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 35 mpg combined. The Sienna's handling was enhanced by its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for luxury and comfort, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. The ESV provided ample cargo space, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. However, the power liftgate and third-row folding mechanism were not always user-friendly, and the adaptive air suspension added convenience for entry and exit.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row allowed for flexible cargo configurations, with 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, activated by foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families. The minivan's 3,500-pound towing capacity further enhanced its versatility.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV boasted advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle featured a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, offering hands-free driving on select highways. However, the system occasionally struggled with lane changes and construction zones, requiring driver intervention.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna included a range of telematics services and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna's head-up display, available on Platinum models, provided essential driving information without diverting attention from the road.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with a suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. The minivan also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.