2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The hollow "thud" of the front doors when closed was a minor but noticeable detail that highlighted its age. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts, was simple yet user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer, was a stylish subcompact SUV with appealing design cues like dark gray plastic trim and two-tone paint options. The Activ trim, which we tested, featured a rugged look with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and all-terrain-style tires. Priced at $30,580, it included a range of features like a larger grille and two-tone paint. The interior design was commendable, with thoughtful control layouts and storage solutions. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic was a drawback, especially at higher price points. The Trailblazer's styling and design elements made it an attractive choice in its segment.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive configuration provided the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive option, available on all trims except the base L, offered 18/24/20 mpg. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, delivering 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions featured a more powerful 1.3-liter engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 9-speed automatic for AWD models. The Trailblazer's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. It averaged 26.6 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics included excellent roll control and nicely weighted steering, though it had quirks like transmission hesitation and suspension impact harshness. It was best suited for gravel roads rather than off-roading.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior featured leatherette seats, which tended to trap sweat, and an automatic climate control system that struggled to keep the cabin cool. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo length. However, the trunk measurement included space under the cargo floor, which could be misleading.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the rear speakers, a handy innovation for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded version for Activ and RS trims included an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium sound system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning. The Bose system effectively drowned out road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated Superior.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. It also included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's safety tech had some inconsistencies, such as overreactive adaptive cruise control and inconsistent lane-keeping assist. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.