2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a testament to the evolution of the minivan, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota's effort to modernize the Sienna was evident in its styling, with options like 20-inch wheels on the XSE trim adding a sporty touch. The Sienna offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Limited, and even a 25th Anniversary Special Edition. Canadian buyers found value in the XLE trim, which included power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, features that were particularly useful for families. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. With seating for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna provided flexibility, and its middle-row bench seat could accommodate three car seats, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant shift for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a traditional SUV to an electric vehicle. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its bold design, with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, set it apart from other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each offering distinct styling elements, while a high-performance SS model was on the horizon. Inside, the Blazer EV's cabin was characterized by large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a fun touch. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic.

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 motor for AWD trims, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were highlights, offering a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience for a minivan. The Sienna's light steering made city driving easy, and its drive modes—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport—provided some flexibility, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor RWD with 340 horsepower and a dual-motor AWD with 288 horsepower. The AWD model, despite its lower output, was the base offering for the LT trim. A future Blazer EV SS model promised a dual-motor AWD setup with 557 horsepower and a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. During test drives, the RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD model providing better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, though its stiff suspension compromised comfort on rough roads. The steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking added a layer of driver involvement, allowing for adjustments to suit different driving styles.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with clever cubbies and bins throughout the cabin. Its 5,175-millimetre length and 3,061-millimetre wheelbase provided ample room, and the minivan's platform allowed for 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats folded. While the middle row couldn't be removed or stowed like some competitors, the Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added comfort.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while styled like a traditional SUV, offered interior dimensions similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Its cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and a stylized interior with adequate small-item storage. However, some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment for users.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but dated, featuring an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The 9-inch touchscreen was complemented by physical buttons, a practical feature in modern vehicles. The Sienna's 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though the interface felt clunky at times.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. While the user experience was generally positive, the touchscreen's angle and the reliance on screen-based controls could be inconvenient. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

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, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS and optional on the RS. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.