2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a luxury model due to its aggressive styling. Its design borrowed elements from the Camaro, featuring a snarling front end, slim windows, and a low roofline, which gave it a sporty and memorable appearance. The Blazer offered various customization options, including different grille designs and color choices, although some popular colors were discontinued in 2021. Despite its bold exterior, the interior was less impressive, with a low-rent feel and materials that did not match its price point. The cabin was predominantly dark, with limited color options and unsupportive seats, making it less appealing compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third row that folded into the floor. The Sienna's cabin was well-equipped with practical features, making it a versatile choice for families. Its design focused on functionality and comfort, providing a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 being the most desirable, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine, available on the RS trim, provided a sporty driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension and torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Blazer's performance was not fully realized due to transmission shortcomings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna's hybrid system offered smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city and highway. The AWD system added an electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. Overall, the Sienna provided a comfortable and efficient driving experience, ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was a concern due to poor sightlines, although large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration. The interior featured simple controls and convenient features like a hands-free power tailgate and automatic climate controls.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, along with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families. The interior was designed with ample storage, cupholders, and flexible seating arrangements, making it a practical choice for family adventures.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added advanced features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, some driver assists were only available on higher trims, and the Blazer lacked semi-automated driving functions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless charging. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with a widescreen display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on Platinum models, enhancing convenience and safety for drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, although its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." It included standard driver's knee airbags and enhanced forward emergency braking on higher trims. However, it lacked rear emergency braking and an inboard side airbag.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.