2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, characterized by a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille, made it stand out. The Blazer's design was a departure from the typical dowdy and utilitarian look of Chevy's other SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and memorable appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and an undersized central screen, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's design, which featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin. The Sienna's interior avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a more refined and uncluttered design. With its focus on practicality and comfort, the Sienna was well-suited for families seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque as the base option. The preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing a strong and agile driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering contributed to its impressive handling, reminiscent of a BMW. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the sporty experience. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 drivetrain were average, at 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna's hybrid system offered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 6.6 combined, while AWD models had slightly higher consumption. The Sienna's handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. The electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, and the selectable drive modes allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped improve visibility. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 864 litres when raised. With a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kg when properly equipped, the Blazer was versatile for various needs. The interior featured simple controls and convenient features like heated seats and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and the power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added convenience. With a towing capacity of 1,585 kg, the Sienna was a practical choice for families needing ample space and functionality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with features like navigation, onboard apps, and cloud account settings. The system's privacy settings allowed users to manage data collection, providing a modern and connected experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System added convenience, making it a tech-savvy choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist features like forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." The Blazer lacked some advanced safety features like rear emergency braking and semi-automated functions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.