2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel's simplistic design, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment systems. The SE trim stood out with its power liftgate, while the XLE Limited added premium touches like leather seats and a JBL audio system. The Nightshade Edition provided a stylish option for those prioritizing aesthetics.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design influenced by the Escala concept, particularly in its front styling. While the rear maintained a familiar look, the Escalade introduced standard 22-inch wheels and OLED taillights. Pricing started at over $90,000 Canadian for the base Luxury trim, with higher trims like Premium Luxury and Sport offering more features. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims provided maximum luxury. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, featured Shadow Metallic paint, a 36-speaker AKG sound system, and advanced tech packages, bringing its price to $119,988 Canadian. The Escalade's interior impressed with its design and quality, though some plastic elements were less forgivable at this price point. The vehicle's size and luxury features justified its premium price compared to its platform-sharing counterparts.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, providing robust acceleration. The Sienna's powertrain primarily drove the front wheels, with AWD available on most trims, albeit with a trade-off in seating capacity. The AWD option was a unique selling point in its class, offering better traction in adverse conditions. Fuel efficiency for the FWD Sienna was 12.6 L/100 km city, 9.1 highway, and 11.0 combined, while AWD versions returned slightly higher figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base contributing to its stability. However, its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and an optional 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, provided impressive acceleration, aided by a 10-speed automatic transmission. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management for improved efficiency, achieving 14.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The turbo-diesel, producing 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined average of 10.6 L/100 km. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These features minimized unwanted motions, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The Escalade excelled on highways, offering a quiet and comfortable experience, though the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with a bench seat. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but accessing the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available on higher trims. The second-row offered heated captain’s chairs or a bench seat, with improved leg support. The third-row saw significant improvements, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,426 litres with seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, making it ideal for those needing maximum cargo volume.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a long-awaited addition. Standard tech included Bluetooth and five USB ports, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The Driver Easy Speak system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the speakers, a handy feature for families.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade impressed with its 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The system included a 14.2-inch instrumentation screen with various display options, though switching between them was cumbersome. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though some connectivity issues were noted. The Escalade's voice recognition had limitations, and physical controls were often more practical. The AR navigation system and AKG sound systems were highlights, with the 36-speaker AKG Reference system offering exceptional audio quality. A head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential information to the driver.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Sienna earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with its driver-assistance features receiving a Superior rating.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided haptic feedback for potential hazards. Premium trims added blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Escalade's size contributed to its safety, though some false alarms were noted during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways, enhancing its appeal as a long-distance cruiser.