2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Ford Expedition

In 2021, Toyota made a significant effort to modernize the Sienna Hybrid’s look. The Sienna sported an SUV-like appearance, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamps arranged horizontally around a prominent Toyota logo. The sliding side doors were masterfully re-engineered to offer a more sculpted look, with a body line that swooped up and bulged over the rear wheels. Alloy wheels varied from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. From the rear, a large window enhanced its wide and low profile, a rare feature for a minivan. The interior continued the width emphasis with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable yet high seating position distinct from a school bus. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with a smart center console featuring multiple storage compartments and cupholders. The second and third rows provided ample space for adult passengers, with seats that slid forward and backward for maximum comfort and utility.

Ford, on the other hand, revamped the 2022 Expedition with new exterior stylistic changes, including a revamped grille, headlights, bumper, and taillights. The SUV also boasted redesigned wheels across its model lineup. Like its predecessor, the 2022 model was available in various trims, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to under $84,000. A notable addition was the off-road-focused Timberline trim, which featured standard 4WD and various enhancements for rough terrains. The Expedition’s interior included a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, available with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. The cabin offered luxurious comforts with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, as well as a massive center storage console. Second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, while the third row included power recline functions and ample leg support, although headroom could be an issue for taller passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked its debut with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. The vehicle was offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the latter powered by a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. Although the CVT transmission contributed to the vehicle’s excellent fuel economy (36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD and 35/36/35 for AWD models), it lacked the thrilling throttle response usually desired. Toyota’s new TNGA suspension significantly improved handling, making the Sienna Hybrid a comfortable ride for long travels.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition offered a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The standard version produced 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, though a high-output version could deliver up to 440 horsepower. The Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission, complementing its powerful engine, made it an excellent choice for heavy towing (up to 9,300 pounds). However, fuel economy was less impressive, ranging from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, not to mention its observed fuel economy of 16.2 mpg during testing. Despite its powerful engine, the Expedition’s driving dynamics sometimes suffered due to its heavy weight and large wheels, with occasional ride harshness and body motions. Yet, it excelled in visibility and ease of parking for its size and offered a pleasant highway driving experience.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna are often scrutinized for their convenience, and the Sienna excelled in this area. The cabin offered multiple storage cubbies and 16 cupholders (15 with a spare tire). The third row was a 60/40-split bench that stored away easily, while the second row could slide up to 25 inches for easy access. The minivan’s cargo capacities were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Moreover, the Sienna could carry a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, as a full-size SUV, also offered plenty of comfort and space. The standard Expedition’s cargo room measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Opting for the Expedition Max increased these figures to 34.3 cubic feet, 73.3 cubic feet, and 121.5 cubic feet, respectively. Its available power running boards made getting in and out effortless, and it featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats along with a large storage console and various cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, though toe room could be tight. The third row provided excellent leg support but limited headroom for taller individuals.

The technology packed into the 2021 Toyota Sienna was comprehensive. All grades came with a nine-inch touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. WiFi connectivity and multiple USB ports were standard, along with advanced audio systems that upgraded with trim levels. Limited and Platinum trims offered a digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch Head-Up Display. Families enjoyed rear-seat entertainment options and Qi-compatible charging, ensuring a tech-savvy and enjoyable travel experience.

Ford's 2022 Expedition showcased the advanced Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 featured a 12-inch touchscreen while the optional Sync 4A boasted a 15.5-inch display with enhanced voice-recognition capabilities. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with navigation and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems, though some users noted issues with high-volume fidelity and occasional quirks, such as unintentional defroster activation. The dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded to include Amazon Fire TV for a comprehensive family-friendly tech setup.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection. Additional safety elements included the Star Safety System with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna had 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and LATCH connectors for child seats. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were not yet published, but the 2020 Sienna had received high ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.

Ford offered comprehensive safety features grouped into three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages for the 2022 Expedition. The standard package included a range of features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like lane-centering assist, speed-limit sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system. The Expedition also introduced Road Edge Detection and the BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. Though the adaptive cruise control was well-received, some lane-centering assist quirks and occasional tech glitches were noted.