2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted focus to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the subsequent generations of the Sienna. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, thanks to features like sliding side doors and a macho front end. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin, ample storage, and comfortable seating for all passengers, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse aimed to blend the practicality of a minivan with the appeal of an SUV. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse offered a range of trims, with the High Country model reaching $53,400. The 2022 model received a light restyle, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, tested for this comparison, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, presenting a stylish and restrained look. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While the materials were a mixed bag, the design was logical and user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from the previous year, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering four selectable 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's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, featured a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it could whine under acceleration. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined for AWD models, with our test vehicle achieving 20.9 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with good handling and predictable behavior, though it felt disconnected from the road at higher speeds.

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 measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored easily into the floor, and all rows had ample storage and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in RS, Premier, and High Country trims, offered seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity from eight. The RS trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the second-row captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was adequate for adults if the second-row passengers cooperated. The Traverse offered ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The instrument panel included a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch head-up display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could also upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse equipped LS and LT Cloth models with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims also featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both infotainment systems supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS and higher trims. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the 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 featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit, with an optional spare tire.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests but was rated "Acceptable" in the new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published 2022 ratings at the time of writing.