2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's unwavering commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. With a history dating back to the original Van in 1984, the Sienna evolved through several generations, culminating in the fourth-generation model launched in 2021. This iteration embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan identity, thanks to its sliding side doors. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed door hinges, contributing to its assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers, including available second-row captain's chairs and a versatile third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, resulting in a commanding presence on the road. Sharing its styling cues with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, the Suburban boasted a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels, giving it a supersized appearance. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a range of customization options, with our RST test vehicle showcasing a sporty look with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and black-painted 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury, from the economically comfortable base LS trim to the plush High Country. The RST trim featured premium materials and optional packages, though the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued to impress with its hybrid powertrain, a feature that debuted in the previous model year. This hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was available on most trims, enhancing versatility. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. With selectable drive modes, including Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport, drivers could tailor their driving experience. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines, catering to different performance needs. The base 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the more powerful 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six engine provided 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent towing capabilities. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-litre V8, which provided effortless power and acceleration, making it well-suited for towing tasks. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity reached 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for hauling heavy loads.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, offering impressive cargo capacity and flexibility. With the ability to accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside, the Sienna was ready for various hauling tasks. The sliding second row added versatility, allowing for easy loading of luggage and freight. 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 Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families. The interior featured ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders, ensuring a practical and user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered an abundance of space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for large families or those needing extra room. With the optional front-row bench seat, the Suburban could accommodate up to nine occupants. The third row provided ample headroom, knee room, and legroom, even for adults. Cargo space was a highlight, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The Suburban's power-sliding centre console and hidden storage drawer added to its practicality. However, its large size posed challenges in tight spaces, requiring careful planning for parking. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls marked a departure from the traditional column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a host of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was absent, the Sienna included telematics services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect on higher trims. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi wireless phone charging available on select models. The audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup on the base trim to a premium 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, enhancing the family-friendly experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced technology with a range of features across its trims. The LT trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in, offering access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above received a 10.2-inch premium system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot. The Suburban's audio system varied by trim, with a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT and a premium Bose CenterPoint system on higher trims. The Suburban's technology offerings reflected its commitment to staying current with modern features.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned high marks for safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind spot monitoring and the Star Safety System were also standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring added to its safety credentials.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban benefited from the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included 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, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong scores in side crash protection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback to alert drivers of potential dangers.