2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance, with grille, fascia, and wheel designs varying by trim level. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin, ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. The RST trim featured 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package, though the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed the traditional minivan aesthetic with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The interior was praised for its high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, particularly in the Platinum trim. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the middle row supporting three-across car seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were functional, featuring extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added comfort. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and style, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The turbodiesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent fuel efficiency. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing, with a maximum capacity of 3,765 kg.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, plus a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, producing 245 net system horsepower. While the powertrain was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna excelled in chassis and steering, offering nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The Sienna's light steering made city driving easy, and it offered multiple drive modes, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its lackluster acceleration, the Sienna was fun to drive and efficient.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with its optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious, with excellent access, and the cargo area offered 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with seats folded. The power-sliding centre console and various storage cubbies added practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those used to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna boasted impressive interior storage solutions, with a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. The Sienna's minivan platform provided 949 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats folded. The second-row captain’s chairs were functional, with extending ottomans and sliding capabilities. The Sienna's design prioritized passenger comfort and cargo space, though the middle row could not be fully removed or folded into the floor, unlike some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System featured an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch system on higher trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Suburban also offered a WiFi hotspot and various audio systems, including a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT and a 10-speaker Bose CenterPoint system on the Premier and High Country.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, relied on an older infotainment interface, with a 9-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system required a wired connection for smartphone integration and had some quirks, such as the lack of a dedicated button for Android Auto. Despite its dated design, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features from the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features, the Sienna prioritized essential safety systems.