2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. At first glance, it presented a more SUV-like appearance with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays. The side profile showcased assertive stances with sculpted sliding side doors, and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its stylish look. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite as high as a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console featured a smart bridge design, providing ample storage space. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, on the other hand, turned heads with its aggressive styling. Its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels gave it a striking resemblance to a Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's exterior styling was a standout, with three grille designs to distinguish varying trim levels and several customization options. The interior, however, was a letdown. It was predominantly all-black unless paired with specific exterior colors, and the materials felt cheap for its price point. The seats were unsupportive, and the central screen was undersized. Despite these drawbacks, the Blazer's exterior design made a lasting impression.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive EPA fuel economy numbers, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined. Handling was significantly improved over previous models, thanks to new front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, available on the RS trim, provided the best performance, making the Blazer feel strong and agile. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering on the RS trim worked harmoniously, offering a sporty driving experience. However, the transmission calibration had several issues, particularly in Sport mode, where it didn't kick down fast enough. The Blazer's EPA fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 drivetrain achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily, and the second row could slide up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, responding to kick motions for easy access.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view mirror cameras helped improve visibility. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet with the seat raised. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. The Blazer featured simple and handy controls, like movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustments and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It came with a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch color Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. Unique GM features included cloud account settings transfer, an app store, and contactless payments via the Marketplace app. Driver assists were standard on most trims, including forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, and while 2021 ratings were not yet available, it was expected to perform similarly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer scored an overall five stars from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests, except for "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. It included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking but lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.