2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, a continuation of the model introduced in 2015, maintained its 2017 design updates into 2021. It offered two trims, LS and LT, after dropping the Premier trim. The LS trim featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added enhancements like heated mirrors, LED lights, and upgraded seating. Various styling packages and driver assistance features were available for the LT trim, providing some customization options.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity with a bold design and SUV-like styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly integrated sliding door channels. The interior was spacious and practical, with ample storage and seating options, including available captain’s chairs and a third-row bench that folded into the floor. The Sienna's design focused on family-friendly functionality, offering a comfortable and roomy experience for passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a single engine option, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both FWD and AWD. While adequate for city driving, the Trax struggled with power at highway speeds and had a firm ride that could be harsh over rough roads. Its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings, but it lacked the driving excitement found in some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing with its hybrid powertrain, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available across all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, providing smooth power delivery and excellent fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD and 35 mpg for AWD models. Its handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, making it a comfortable and efficient highway cruiser.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided decent headroom and legroom, though rear seat comfort was lacking for long journeys. It offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could fold flat for larger items, but the Trax lacked options for a power liftgate, limiting its convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, 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, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Its power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families, making it easy to access the interior even with hands full.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. It included two USB ports and an available WiFi hotspot, providing basic tech features for connectivity and entertainment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services, multiple USB ports, and optional Qi wireless charging. Higher trims featured advanced audio systems and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on top trims, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection available in the LT Convenience Package. However, it missed out on many standard safety technologies found in competitors.

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, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, providing comprehensive safety for families.