2022 GMC Yukon 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 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 without hiding its minivan roots. Its macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and assertive profile gave it a distinctive look. 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 GMC Yukon was a full-size luxury SUV that made a bold statement with its extensive use of chrome, especially in the Denali trim. The Denali's front end was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights. The Yukon also offered unique styling for the off-road-oriented AT4 trim, featuring a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted exclusive interior designs, including the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from the previous year, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD models.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 pound-feet, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Most versions came with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), with four-wheel drive (4WD) available as an option. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension, providing better handling and a smoother ride, especially for third-row passengers. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride quality and off-road capability.

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 maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and all rows had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with significant improvements in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The power-folding third-row seats were a convenient feature. The Denali trim offered a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced traditional gear shifters, adding a modern touch to the interior.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. 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 featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A color multi-information display and a 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims. The digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System added convenience.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. The system was compatible with various media formats, but required an adapter for phone or tablet connections. The Yukon's technology suite provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

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 had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and tire-pressure monitoring.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.