2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna Hybrid with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish quality evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of an SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The centre console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel and quality materials enhanced the interior's feel. The second and third-row seats offered comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space and utility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban's tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with our RST test vehicle showcasing a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. The monochromatic black grille and RST-specific accents provided a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban's cabin ranged from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. Our RST tester featured 10-way power front seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and the optional Luxury package. Despite its spaciousness, the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark. The Suburban's size and mass posed challenges in maneuvering and parking, but its practicality and features like the electronic push-button transmission controls added to its appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, delivering 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling improvements came from the new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll and enhancing comfort. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new turbodiesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, emphasizing fuel efficiency and towing capability. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, with the RST test vehicle featuring the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control. The 6.2-litre engine provided effortless power and acceleration, particularly noticeable during a 130-kilometre tow test. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity reached 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, enhancing legroom and access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements included 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid's battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, adding family-friendly convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban boasted abundant space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most configurations offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with the third row providing adequate space for adults. The Suburban's cargo capacity was among the largest in its class, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats slid 14 centimetres, and both rear rows folded flat with ease. The optional power-sliding centre console revealed additional storage, while a hidden drawer secured valuables. Despite its practicality, the Suburban's size posed challenges in tight spaces, though familiarity with its dimensions eased parking. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls marked a departure from the traditional column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming standard. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging and a 1500-watt inverter. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced technology with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on LT trims and above, featuring Google built-in services. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.2-inch system with satellite radio and wireless device charging. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a Bose 10-speaker Surround system. The Suburban's tech offerings included a WiFi hotspot and multiple camera views, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and more. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were included, with a spare tire available on the LE grade. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance became standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with specific scores for crash protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Suburban.