2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional image with its sleek front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, and top-tier Platinum, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a unique touch. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. With seating for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna provided flexibility, although the eight-seater option was limited to the LE and XLE trims. The minivan's design allowed for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, with its long-standing history, continued to be a staple on the roads. Its massive size, stretching nearly 19 feet, made it a common sight, especially for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each with increasing levels of comfort and features. The Suburban's interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on most trims and options for heated and ventilated seats. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat ordinary, though it provided essential comforts like a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control. The vehicle's design catered to those who prioritized space and towing capacity, making it a suitable choice for large families and road trips.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 245 horsepower. While this setup was efficient, it lacked the power of some competitors, and the CVT transmission was not the most refined. Despite this, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering a nimble and enjoyable driving experience for a minivan. The light steering was particularly beneficial for city driving, and the Sienna's various drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, provided some flexibility, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, an optional 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The diesel engine was noted for its fuel efficiency and towing capability, making it a preferred choice for those looking to save on fuel costs. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its responsive steering and brakes. The Suburban's air suspension provided a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, though its large size meant drivers needed to be cautious with body roll and braking distances.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins for convenience. Its spacious design allowed for 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The total cargo capacity was 101 cubic feet, though the middle row seats were not removable, limiting maximum space compared to some competitors. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering comfort and adjustability for passengers of all sizes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a leader in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its maximum cargo capacity of 144.7 cubic feet was unmatched, making it ideal for those needing extensive storage. The Suburban's large fuel tank and efficient diesel engine allowed for long road trips without frequent stops. Its spacious interior and ample cargo room made it a top choice for families and those with towing needs.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system, lacking some of the latest tech found in other Toyota models. It included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, but required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, though not particularly modern, and the JBL audio system provided decent sound quality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, offering a user-friendly interface with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added value for long trips. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system was underwhelming compared to higher-end options in rival vehicles.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban also offered a range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. It received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests. The optional Super Cruise system provided advanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing safety on pre-mapped roads.