2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 GMC Yukon

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna 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 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, though not quite reaching the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed below the infotainment screen. The centre console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel and quality materials enhanced the interior's tactile appeal. The second and third-row seats offered comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space and utility.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, particularly in its Denali trim, embraced chrome as a defining feature, giving it a premium look. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast chrome grille, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, creating a commanding presence. The test vehicle's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels contrasted strikingly with the dark Redwood Metallic paint. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim offered unique styling with a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing a Teak/Light Shale colour combo, adding layers and textures for a premium feel. The AT4 trim offered a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details. The Yukon's interior was crafted for comfort, with all three rows accommodating adults, and the Denali trim offering heated and cooled front seats.

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, utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, with handling improvements thanks to new suspension systems. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel, known as the "Baby Duramax," provided excellent fuel efficiency, allowing the Yukon to travel over 1,000 kilometres on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon featured rear-wheel drive on SLE and SLT trims, with four-wheel drive standard on AT4 and Denali. The AT4 trim offered off-road capabilities with a two-speed transfer case and a nearly 32-degree approach angle. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, with specific configurations required. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, offered a 3,629-kilogram tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension enhanced ride comfort and off-road capability.

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, providing flexible legroom and easy 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 were 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, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous third-row space limitations with a redesign that increased legroom by over 25 centimetres to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row also grew to 722 litres. The Yukon's extended wheelbase and independent rear suspension contributed to the increased space. The second-row seats folded flat, with power fold-and-tumble options available for easy access to the third row. Our test vehicle featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats. A power-sliding centre console revealed additional storage space, while power-retractable, illuminated assist steps facilitated entry and exit. The Yukon's pushbutton transmission controls, located near the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but offered a modern touch.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available SiriusXM. Connectivity features included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, Bluetooth, and Qi-compatible charging on higher trims. 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 benefited from a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. A 15-inch head-up display offered driving and safety information. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Our test vehicle's Bose 14-speaker audio system delivered adequate sound quality. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and more. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Pro Safety Plus added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with specific scores for crash protection and rollover resistance.