2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt dated. The third-generation Sienna, introduced in 2011, occasionally offered an upscale feel but was often overshadowed by its outdated design elements. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna came in various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer stood out with its striking exterior design, often mistaken for a high-end vehicle like the Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's aggressive front end, slim-cut windows, and 20-inch wheels gave it a sporty and memorable look. Chevy borrowed design cues from the Camaro, resulting in a vehicle that looked good from every angle. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise. The cabin felt low-rent, with featureless seats and downmarket materials, which were disappointing given the Blazer's price point. Despite this, the Blazer offered good customization options and some innovative features like the rear-view mirror camera and 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration and a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, though it was rarely used. The Sienna's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) was available on all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions achieved 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, available on the RS trim, provided the best performance, with a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering. The Blazer's AWD system required manual activation, and the RS trim featured a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families and those needing mobility assistance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four and had a low roof height that did not compromise interior space. The Blazer's cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet when raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. The Blazer featured simple and handy controls, like the movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate. The infotainment system was fast and easy to use, with options for a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and rear heated seats on upper trims.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. Unique GM features included cloud account settings transfer, an app store, and contactless payments via the Marketplace app. Driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist were standard on most trims.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS in various crash tests and for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS in crash tests, though its headlights received lower ratings. The Blazer included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims. However, it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.