2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel also showed its age, resembling something from Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury touches. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate, which was deemed essential for families.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements, with a body-on-frame construction that provided a truck-like ride. The front-end styling, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive grille and headlight design, giving the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights added to its appeal. The interior, while luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, still felt closer to the Armada. The dashboard and switchgear were similar to the Nissan, and the foot-operated parking brake was not high-end. Despite this, the interior felt properly luxurious, though it might disappoint buyers seeking exclusivity.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with 4WD available for an additional $3,100. The V8 engine provided responsive performance, making highway overtaking stress-free, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and rear auto-leveling, offered a comfortable ride. However, it felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain with low range.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing these capabilities.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat setup. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with lumbar support. Passenger space was competitive but not class-leading, with the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offering more space. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The QX80 had a power liftgate and power 60/40-split-folding third row, making it easier to switch between passenger and cargo hauling.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim also included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with rear passengers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades like a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system. However, the user interface was complicated, with small screens and controls that were not intuitive. The QX80 also included helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror, which could switch to a streaming-video display, and the Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and top scores in many IIHS tests, with its driver-assistance features earning a Superior rating.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. IIHS had not tested the QX80. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.