2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer 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, starting with the original Van in 1984, followed by the innovative Previa, and eventually the Sienna in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced SUV styling cues without hiding its minivan identity. It featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and an assertive profile with wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and cleverly designed cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a versatile third-row bench that could be easily stowed away.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, presented itself as a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models added unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS sporting a more aggressive design. The Trailblazer's contrasting roof options and intricate lighting elements further enhanced its visual appeal. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin featured a mix of materials and colors, with leatherette upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat in the Activ model. While the interior design didn't scream "outdoor adventure," it had distinctive touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard.

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 used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, adding 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, and it offered impressive fuel economy with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came with a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ model, with its AWD and 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, though the nine-speed automatic occasionally exhibited rough shifts. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for better performance on gravel roads, but it did experience some bouncing over road imperfections. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors' automatic systems.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its 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 easily stored away into the floor, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while one of the smallest SUVs on the market, still offered substantial space. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for better passenger space. The Trailblazer provided decent utility compared to its rivals, with generous front and rear headroom and mid-pack legroom. It offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though it lagged behind some competitors. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Up front, the Trailblazer featured smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped 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 telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most buyers, it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster and larger touchscreen options. The 8-inch touchscreen provided clear graphics and logical menus, and the combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges conveyed information effectively.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which 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 child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available as an option.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's optional LED headlights received a "Good" score from the IIHS, while the standard halogen headlights were rated "Average."