2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. With SUV-like styling, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern look. The side profile was assertive, with redesigned sliding doors that added a sculpted appearance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced its stance, while the rear maintained a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was practical, with ample storage and smart design touches, while the second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in various trims, showcased a design inspired by the Camaro, both inside and out. The RS trim, in particular, featured a sporty appearance with 20-inch wheels and a unique black trim design. Inside, the Blazer's infotainment and climate control systems echoed the Camaro's style, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative air vent controls. However, the interior had a significant amount of hard plastic, detracting from its overall quality. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding sophistication. Despite its sporty promise, the Blazer's styling was marred by an unfinished appearance at the rear.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive option, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, lacked throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway, while AWD models achieved slightly higher figures.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim boasted a dual-clutch AWD system for improved traction. The Blazer RS offered a firm and sporty driving experience, with decent grip and capable brakes. However, the suspension struggled on back roads, and the nine-speed automatic was slow to downshift. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding range, enhancing legroom and access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage, while the Sienna could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo space was flexible, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim. The steering wheel offered power adjustment and heating, while the front seats featured power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. The back seat was spacious, with sliding functionality for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available with hands-free operation, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on select trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a sporty interior with black leather upholstery and red perforations. The steering wheel offered power adjustment and heating, while the front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with rear air vents and USB ports for passengers. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and adjustable, with ample storage options throughout the cabin. The power rear liftgate, available with hands-free operation, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, featuring forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. A rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology were standard. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blazer's safety features worked well, but its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS.