2023 Chevrolet Equinox 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, with the Sienna evolving through four generations since its debut in 1998. The latest Sienna aimed to blend SUV styling cues with traditional minivan functionality, featuring a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that could easily stow away.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, albeit without the bold design statements of some competitors. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end provided a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox's interior, especially in the Premier trim, featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and practical elements like a traditional PRNDL shift lever and large cupholders. However, it lacked the modern flair of some rivals, with a small touchscreen and basic driver-information display.

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. This setup, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offered smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel economy was a standout feature, with the FWD model achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and the AWD model slightly lower at 35 mpg.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Despite a slight power increase from the previous year, the Equinox's acceleration was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds. Its six-speed automatic transmission, while reliable, felt outdated compared to the more advanced transmissions in some competitors. The Equinox's AWD system required manual engagement, which was a minor inconvenience. However, its braking and suspension systems were well-engineered, providing a smooth and predictable driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity and versatility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. With the second row in its default position, 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 also featured power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, making it convenient for families with their hands full.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as spacious as some competitors, still offered a respectable 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components and practical storage solutions, including cupholders for every passenger and a nearly silent power liftgate in the Premier trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna also offered a range of telematics services, a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. A head-up display and digital rearview mirror were available on top trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a smaller touchscreen interface, with a 7-inch screen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. Despite its simplicity, the system was user-friendly and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Premier trim also included a wireless charging pad and an upgraded driver-information display, although it still appeared basic compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included a suite of standard ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. While it received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, it did not perform as well in IIHS tests, scoring poorly in the moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact test.