2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, which was a positive attribute. It balanced SUV toughness without appearing exaggerated, and details like intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, gave it a more upscale look than many vehicles in its price range. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS adopting a sportier appearance. The contrasting roofs in red, black, or white added a distinctive and retro touch, especially with the Nitro Yellow paint on the Activ model. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin had a mix of leatherette upholstery, copper-toned, and sparkly black plastic trim, which added personality to the otherwise black interior.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with front-end styling resembling a Japanese bullet train and larger wheels on certain trims. It offered a variety of trim levels, from the base LE to the top-shelf Platinum, including a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The XLE trim was expected to be popular among value-conscious shoppers, adding features like LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the center console. It could seat seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater supporting three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, making it a smart choice for families.

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 front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car had AWD, the 1.3-liter engine, and the nine-speed automatic, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for better performance on gravel roads but worked well on pavement. The Trailblazer exhibited body roll typical of high-riding vehicles but felt composed and nimble. It had a selectable AWD system and Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, although Sport mode didn't make a significant difference.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, revealed in 2020, came with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two front-mounted electric motors and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. The combined output was 245 net system horsepower, which felt underpowered for the Sienna's size and weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) tended to climb the rev band, resulting in a less pleasant sound. Despite the lackluster acceleration, the Sienna's chassis and steering were impressive, making it easy to drive around town and on the highway. The light steering feel was particularly beneficial for city driving, and the Sienna had a tidy turning radius. It offered EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Eco mode extended the CVT's simulated gears too much, and EV mode was largely ineffective. Sport mode didn't provide a dramatic difference.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was 3.4 inches wider and about an inch taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer four-door, with a wheelbase about three inches longer. It matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The Trailblazer's 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded were respectable but behind the Kia Seltos. It could tow up to 1,000 pounds. The interior had clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. However, the small carve-out above the dashboard seemed impractical.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with plenty of space for a large bag or purse in the open cubby below the center console and a long shelf extending from the middle of the dash to the passenger's seat. Higher trims featured a wireless charging pad. The Sienna had a big bin in the center console and enough cupholders for everyone on board. At over 200 inches long with a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna made excellent use of space. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet of total cargo space. However, the middle row of seats couldn't be fully removed or folded into the floor, unlike some competitors. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans and a long sliding track for extra legroom.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, 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 optional touchscreen was relatively small by current standards, it was well-sized for the Trailblazer's dashboard and easy to use. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information. Smart touches like a person-shaped icon for the pedestrian-detection system and an indicator for the engine start/stop system aided comprehension.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used Toyota's older infotainment interface, which included SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an optional navigation system, and seven USB ports. The older interface benefited from physical buttons, which were more functional than touchscreen buttons. However, the interface looked and felt outdated and could be clunky to use. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, and accessing Android Auto required navigating through the menu view. Despite these quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable. The 9-inch touchscreen didn't look undersized in person, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system sounded good.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA, and the 2022 model, which is mechanically identical, received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors like Honda and Chrysler also received high safety ratings, Toyota didn't include some of the more gimmicky features found in other family haulers.