2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design and innovative features. Toyota worked hard to shed the typical minivan image, giving the Sienna a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the luxurious Limited, with a special 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents found in the Platinum trim. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as flashy as some of its competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained design. Its chunky front end and smaller grille provided a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada. The interior of the Equinox was practical and approachable, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard in Canada. Although the interior design appeared somewhat dated, the Equinox offered a simple and gratifying driving experience with its PRNDL shift lever and spacious cabin.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system that combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors, and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, delivering a total of 245 horsepower. While this powertrain was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The Sienna featured a CVT, which, although not the best-sounding, provided a smooth driving experience. The Sienna offered several drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While the Equinox handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, making it less suitable for highway driving. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which held gears longer than newer transmissions, contributing to its noisy powertrain. The AWD system required manual engagement, but the Equinox's braking and suspension systems were well-engineered, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, offering numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. It featured a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash, perfect for storing personal items. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and a total of 2,860 litres with seats folded. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo space. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added comfort and flexibility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, the Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous cup holders, and a decently sized centre console bin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and seven USB ports. While the interface was reliable, it felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The Sienna's 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, and physical buttons were a practical feature for easy control.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was simple yet effective, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. The system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available as an option.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox also offered a range of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in safety.