2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional sliding doors and slab-sided designs that many associated with childhood road trips. Toyota's efforts were evident in the Sienna's front-end styling, which drew inspiration from a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the upper-class Limited, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim adding a touch of exclusivity. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option available in the LE or XLE trims, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, available in Canada in LT, Z71, and RS trims, introduced the Z71 as a new addition for those interested in moderate off-roading. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833 and the RS reaching $65,733. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. Inside, the Traverse offered a Jet Black interior with "Torch Red" accents, and the standard cloth seats provided comfort and breathability. The Traverse's design and features catered to those seeking a versatile SUV with a touch of ruggedness.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims, delivering a total of 245 horsepower. While this power output was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering offered a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna's light steering made city driving easy, and its various drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, provided flexibility, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. AWD was standard across all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse's acceleration and passing power were commendable, and its exhaust note added a pleasant growl during acceleration. The ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The Traverse's brakes offered a progressive feel, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature operated seamlessly, with fuel economy estimates at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, offering numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. The Sienna's dimensions, at 5,175 mm in length and a 3,061 mm wheelbase, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. With 949 litres of space behind the third row and a total cargo capacity of 2,860 litres, the Sienna offered impressive storage, though the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row enhanced accessibility and cargo flexibility. The Traverse's cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row's view was somewhat restricted.

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 functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality. However, the interface felt clunky, and accessing certain features required navigating through menus.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard across all models, offering rapid response times and intuitive menus. The 11-inch digital instrument display was configurable and useful for navigation. The system ran on Google-based software, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad was effective, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated. The Traverse also introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna boasted an array of 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 Traverse, while not yet tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse's safety features provided peace of mind, even though they weren't put to the test during the review.