2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's commitment to offering a rugged yet refined vehicle, positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV that combined truck-based durability with premium features. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, offering a sophisticated and upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a sense of luxury and substance, appealing to buyers who valued quality over brand prestige.

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 ability to accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed highlighted its practicality. With power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, the Sienna provided ease of access, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered a range of engine options, including a standard 355-horsepower 5.3-litre V8 for most trims and a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the Denali. The Denali's engine delivered robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with consumption averaging 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon featured an independent rear suspension and optional Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential, improved cornering and traction, making the Yukon capable on various terrains.

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 electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. Natural Resources Canada rated the FWD Sienna Hybrid at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, making it a fuel-efficient choice for families. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, resulting in increased passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console for added convenience. The second-row seats could slide and collapse, improving access to the third row, which offered enhanced comfort and thigh support. Cargo volume was generous, with up to 3,480 litres available with the seats folded, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior flexibility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. The sliding second row allowed for versatile cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row and up to 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 liftgate added convenience. With a towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms, the Sienna was a practical choice for families needing both passenger and cargo space.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali offered a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system featured dual 12.6-inch displays, though streaming content required some setup. The Yukon also included a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna offered telematics services and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. Higher trims featured a JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror, providing a comprehensive tech package for families.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Yukon's substantial curb weight provided a sense of security.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.