2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. Toyota's designers gave it a more SUV-like appearance, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel with the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with sculpted sliding side doors and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. The rear design included a large window, maintaining a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, with multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering sliding seats for maximum utility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted appealing styling with well-proportioned character lines and small details. Available in five trims—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer offered a range of prices from $20,195 to $26,695, with AWD available on all but the L trim. The RS trim, tested with AWD, started at $28,195 and included options that raised the price to $33,000. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior was filled with hard plastic, though it had a sense of style. The Trailblazer's cabin was functional, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a flat rear seat for cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing 243 horsepower. It came with FWD as standard and AWD as an option, using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, which, while efficient, blunted throttle response. It offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable ride. The big news was its fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The Trailblazer came with a CVT for FWD models and a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The AWD version also had a more sophisticated rear suspension for better ride and handling. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels and provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row. The cabin had 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and offered cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet 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 tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, adding to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry long items like a surfboard.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed a lot of technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It included 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 with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. The test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. The Trailblazer also offered remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including 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 had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.