2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned character lines and small details, made it stand out. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer came in five versions: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, made it hard to justify the high price.

Toyota's Sienna minivan had a long history, dating back to the original Van in 1984. The 2022 model, part of the fourth generation launched in 2021, aimed to blend SUV style with minivan functionality. It featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch wheels standard on base models, and up to 20-inch wheels on upper trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and clever storage solutions. The second- and third-row passengers enjoyed roomy seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor. The Sienna was designed to be both stylish and practical for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, but the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferable, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, while AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, adding 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models getting 35 mpg combined. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats and came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim test vehicle 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, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded down. 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, accommodating larger items like a surfboard.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo. With the second row in its default position, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. It also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

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. Our 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. Other tech features included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims had a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A head-up display was available on Platinum trims, and a digital rearview mirror was optional on Limited and Platinum models. The Sienna also featured remote keyless entry with push-button start, upgraded to Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. 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.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was optional, mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.