2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

When looking back at the 2022 Toyota Sienna, Toyota had never shied away from the minivan segment as other automakers did. Its lineage began with the original Van in 1984, followed by the innovative mid-engined Previa in 1990, and then the debut of the Sienna in 1998. The Sienna continued to evolve, with the fourth generation launching in 2021.

In its latest iteration, the Sienna embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic, though it couldn't fully mask its minivan essence due to the telltale sliding doors. Still, the Sienna's design carried a macho front facade, and the re-engineered door hinges buried the slider channels under the rear side window frame for a sleeker look. The side profile featured integrated rear door styling details, and the vehicle had an assertive stance with wheels ranging from 17 inches on base models to 20 inches on upper trims.

Inside, the Sienna departed from the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered front cabin. The interior was brimming with clever storage solutions, from an under-console open area to large door pockets and numerous cup holders, making it ideal for family use. Space was ample across all rows, featuring a 60/40 split third row that folded into the floor and second-row seats that slid up to 25 inches, facilitating easy third-row access.

Conversely, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban showcased Chevrolet's full-size truck design language. With its tall hood, extended proportions, and large wheels, the Suburban commanded a robust presence shared with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500. The Suburban was available in six trims, each providing unique grille, fascia, and wheel designs for customization despite its singular body style.

The RST trim, in particular, featured a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat paired with 22-inch bright machined black-painted wheels. The monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents and RST-specific badging rendered a sporty visual appeal. On the inside, the Suburban's cabin ranged from comfortable in the base LS to luxurious in the High Country trim. Our RST test model had 10-way power front seats, bright sill plates, and Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, although the dark interior palette made it feel a bit gloomy.

Performance-wise, the 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain from the 2021 model year. This powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower, pairing standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive across all trims. The AWD system incorporated a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying mechanical complexity.

Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) ensured smooth power delivery and maximized fuel efficiency. Drivers could choose from four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling benefited from the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, providing minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. Its hybrid nature earned it notable EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a diverse engine lineup. The base engine was a 5.3-liter V8 generating 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, standard on all trims but the Premier. The 6.2-liter V8, standard on the High Country and optional on RST, Z71, and Premier trims, delivered an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A third option was the new-for-2022 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, which produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft.

All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission featuring electronic shift control. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available (standard on the Z71). The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride comfort, increased third-row space, and enhanced cargo capacity. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, showcased smooth and powerful acceleration, particularly during an 80-mile tow test where it effortlessly hauled a Chevrolet Impala on a car-hauler trailer. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity stood at 8,300 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to function as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements included 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Additionally, the Sienna boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Storage spaces abounded across all rows, and power-operated side sliding doors and tailgate added to the everyday convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered an abundance of space. With an optional front-row bench seat, it could hold up to nine people. Most configurations accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the third row providing ample room even for adults. The Suburban excelled in cargo capacity, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to a class-leading 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide up to 5.5 inches, enhancing flexibility. The optional power-sliding center console and numerous storage cubbies added utility. However, navigating and parking the massive Suburban could be challenging, especially in congested areas or tight parking spots. The shift to electronic push-button transmission controls also required some adjustment for long-time GM drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was packed with standard and available technology features. Central to this was a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, among other connectivity options. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, which was a missed opportunity. Telematics services like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and a trial of AT&T WiFi Connect were also included.

Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the base model to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The instrument panel featured a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch head-up display standard on the Platinum trim for enhanced driving convenience. Higher trims could also opt for a digital rearview mirror, further improving driver visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban proved that full-size SUVs could excel in technology. For 2022, Chevrolet introduced a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on the LT trim and above, along with Google built-in capability. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Higher trims enjoyed a 10.2-inch Infotainment 3 Premium System. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were available across the lineup. Audio systems ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose CenterPoint 10-speaker system available on upper trims. The availability of multiple camera views, including a "transparent trailer" mode, augmented the Suburban's practicality.

Safety was a paramount consideration for the 2022 Toyota Sienna. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, standard across all trims, included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. Additional safety features included 10 airbags, multiple LATCH locations, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit with an optional spare tire.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured comprehensive safety measures as part of the Chevy Safety Assist suite. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian braking, park assists, lane-keeping assistance, and an array of cameras. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, surround vision, rear pedestrian alert, reverse automatic braking, and a head-up display. Other helpful features like hill-start assist, Teen Driver, and Buckle to Drive were also standard. In NHTSA tests, the Suburban earned an overall rating of four out of five stars, with specific scores varying by category. The IIHS had not published ratings for the Suburban at the time.