2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors like the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. The interior featured a creative dashboard design with a central touchscreen and large air vents, offering decent materials and fit and finish for its price range. The new RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, although the interior felt too subdued for some tastes.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it an assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers. The Sienna's interior was spacious, with a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away, and second-row seats that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a practical choice for families, with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate adding convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. While the Equinox had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. The Equinox's torque was beneficial in city driving, but the engine felt coarse and unresponsive at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the vehicle lacked sporty handling and refinement compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was better than expected for a minivan, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. Its fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's hybrid system and efficient design made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by small rear windows. The cargo space was near the bottom of its segment, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins found in some competitors.

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, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, and it had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The interior featured ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, enhancing convenience for families. The Sienna's design prioritized functionality and ease of use, making it a practical choice for family transportation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, though the center-console slot for phones was too small. The Equinox's infotainment system covered essential features without excessive complexity.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with SiriusXM and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a notable omission. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system, with a rear-seat entertainment system available on higher trims. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, with features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but was rated "Marginal" in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian situations. The NHTSA awarded the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, similar to the 2021 model. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. It also included 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire. The Sienna's safety features and ratings made it a strong contender for families prioritizing safety.