2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

In 2022, Chevrolet offered the Blazer in multiple trim levels, specifically 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. All trims, except for the RS, were equipped with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and had options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The sporty RS trim came with a more powerful V6 engine and was paired with a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system designed to handle low-traction surfaces better.

For 2022, changes to the Blazer were minimal. The Premier version sported a slightly refreshed look with revised bumpers, bodyside trim, and redesigned wheels. The new Enhanced Convenience Package became available for some trims, and a Trailering Package was introduced for models with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Additionally, two-tone paint was an option for LT and RS trims.

The Blazer's pricing in 2022 ranged from $33,400 to $41,100 before the $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Blazer RS with AWD, additional packages, and extra-cost paint, came to a total of $49,000. Its design, inspired by the Camaro, was appealing, although the black trim around the rear gave it an unfinished look.

Inside, the Blazer displayed more Camaro-inspired elements, particularly in the infotainment and climate control systems. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly with simple physical controls and innovative temperature adjustment rings in the center air vents. However, the extensive use of hard plastic, especially on the upper door panels, detracted from the cabin's quality feel. Despite that, the Cherry Red Tintcoat painted Blazer RS featured matching red interior accents, stitching, and trim, adding a sophisticated touch.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its traditional minivan image through design efforts that made it resemble a Japanese bullet train. Although most trims came with 18-inch wheels, the FWD versions of the XSE and Platinum trims sported 20-inch wheels.

Toyota offered a wide range of trim levels for the Sienna, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, upscale Limited, and top-tier Platinum. The new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim was added for 2023, positioned just below the Limited trim in price. The XLE trim, a value-conscious choice, featured standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate—critical features for families with children.

The interior of the Sienna, especially in the Platinum trim, was luxurious with high-quality brown leather upholstery and beautiful wood-grain accents. Toyota offered configurations for either seven or eight passengers, with family-friendly options like the ability to support three car seats across the middle row in the eight-seater versions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powered either the front wheels or all four, and drivers had options for Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul driving modes. The Blazer RS variant featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system. With a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds and enhanced driving modes, the V6 engine provided robust performance, although it was loud at times and the automatic transmission could be tardy when downshifting.

Despite its sporty looks, the Blazer RS didn’t excel on back roads with its heavy steering and substantial suspension bounding, although it was perfectly agreeable for everyday driving. The official EPA fuel economy ratings suggested a combined 21 mpg for the Blazer RS with AWD, but actual usage averaged about 20.5 mpg.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Sienna adopted a hybrid-only powertrain. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with electric motors, delivered a total of 245 horsepower. The Sienna's continuously variable transmission (CVT) wasn’t the best for performance, often sounding strained, and provided lackluster acceleration, especially compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey.

Yet, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable. With a sound platform and nimble handling, it navigated city streets and highways comfortably, making it surprisingly fun to drive for a minivan. Various drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, were available, but Normal mode was generally the most satisfying. Eco mode overextended the CVT’s simulated gears, and EV mode was largely ineffective as the gas engine consistently engaged.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer proved to be comfortable and functional. The test vehicle’s black leather upholstery with red perforations and the sporty RS interior added visual appeal. The heated and power-adjustable front seats were accommodating for larger individuals but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and effective air conditioning contributed to passenger comfort. The rear seats, which were flat and wide, offered ample legroom and the ability to slide to adjust space.

Storage solutions in the Blazer impressed with a large glove compartment, center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The rear cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the back seats folded—though this was on the smaller side for a midsize crossover SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled with its interior storage solutions featuring numerous cubbies, nooks, and bins, including a significant open cubby below the center console and a long dash shelf ideal for phones, sometimes equipped with a wireless charging pad. The Sienna’s spacious trunk, at 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, further expanded to 101 cubic feet of total cargo space. However, the second-row seats were not removable or foldable into the floor, potentially limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors.

Nonetheless, the Sienna’s captain’s chairs were highly functional, offering extending ottomans for added support and an extensive sliding range that enabled comfortable seating, even for adults in the third row.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer stood out with its user-friendly infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display with high-resolution graphics and modern design. Physical control buttons for essential functions ensured ease of use. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced voice recognition, satellite radio, and connected services, although complimentary trials were limited.

Our RS test vehicle came equipped with advanced features like wireless smartphone charging, a Bose 8-speaker audio system, and extensive driver assistance technology including rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a rear camera mirror—crucial given the vehicle’s poor rear visibility.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, relied on an older infotainment interface that included core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit requiring a wired connection. The system, while functional and equipped with several USB ports, felt dated and clunky at times. Actions like accessing Android Auto required navigating through menus rather than having dedicated shortcut buttons.

Despite this, the Sienna’s 9-inch touchscreen held its own in size and usability. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided a satisfying sound experience, though the overall infotainment experience lagged behind more modern setups.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles. The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, bundling features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. A rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology, along with optional upgrades like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning, enhanced safety. The vibrating Safety Alert Seat was particularly innovative, providing haptic feedback to warn drivers of potential threats.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna also impressed with standard safety technology that included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Sienna received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the previous model year, highlighting its emphasis on safety for family use.