2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a crossover SUV that aimed to blend the practicality of a minivan with the rugged appeal of an SUV. It featured a restyled exterior with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated colour choices and optional appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, which we tested, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Traverse RS offered a mix of materials, with black leather upholstery and red stitching, though hard plastics were prevalent. The interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna sought to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered a range of trims, including the sporty XSE and the luxurious Limited, with the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding to the lineup. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design focused on maximizing space and comfort, making it an attractive option for families seeking practicality and style.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. While it excelled on highways, offering a pleasant ride quality, it struggled with road and wind noise. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude, though its tires and suspension could feel disconnected on uneven roads.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While its acceleration was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were praised for their nimbleness and ease of driving. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna was fun to drive, with a light steering feel that made city driving a breeze.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers in the RS trim, featuring captain's chairs in the second row. It provided ample legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support for adults. The Traverse's Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated easy access to the third row. It boasted generous cargo space, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,781 litres. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments, adding to its practicality for families.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, bins, and shelves. It offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with the second-row captain's chairs providing excellent functionality and comfort. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and a total of 2,860 litres. However, the middle row could not be fully removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo space compared to competitors. The Sienna's design prioritized passenger comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used an older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven USB ports. While the interface was reliable, it felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The Sienna's JBL premium audio system was well-received, and the presence of physical buttons was appreciated for ease of use.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety technologies for family use.