2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in several trim levels, including 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. Most trims came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The RS trim stood out with a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system, enhancing its performance on low-traction surfaces. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, featuring a sporty exterior with two-tone paint options and revised trim for the Premier version. Inside, the Blazer showcased a Camaro-like infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, especially given the nearly $50,000 price tag of the test vehicle. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna maintained its position as a reliable minivan, embracing its identity with a design that hinted at SUV styling. The Sienna's exterior featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a sleek profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage options and comfortable seating for passengers in all rows. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, providing easy access to the third row. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, with an uncluttered front cabin and numerous storage solutions. The third-row bench could be easily stored away, enhancing cargo space flexibility. Overall, the Sienna's design and functionality made it a strong contender for families seeking a versatile and comfortable vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes such as Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The Blazer RS trim boasted a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch AWD system. This engine option allowed the Blazer to tow up to 4,500 pounds. While the Blazer RS provided satisfying acceleration, it was criticized for its loud engine noise and unrefined handling on back roads. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, and the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift. Despite these drawbacks, the Blazer offered decent grip and capable brakes. The EPA fuel economy ratings for the Blazer RS AWD were 21 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. It offered minimal body roll and a comfortable ride on highways. The Sienna Hybrid's EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg combined and AWD models achieving 35 mpg combined. The Sienna's 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a reasonably comfortable and practical interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, giving the cabin a sporty appearance. The steering wheel was comfortable to grip, and the front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the seats lacked side bolsters and thigh support. The Blazer's dual-zone automatic climate control was effective, and rear passengers benefited from air vents and USB ports. The back seat was spacious and could slide forward and back to adjust cargo or passenger space. The Blazer's storage options included a large glove compartment, a center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on most trims, revealed a 30.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible sliding second row. Cargo measurements were impressive, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and each row offered ample storage cubbies and cupholders. The power-operated sliding doors and rear tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for loading and unloading. The Sienna's 3,500-pound towing capacity further enhanced its practicality for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with satellite radio and a connected navigation system. The system's voice recognition was fast and accurate, and the Blazer included wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety features included rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror. However, rear visibility was limited, making these features essential.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. The Sienna's audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display and an optional head-up display on Platinum models. The digital rearview mirror provided a clear view of the road behind, even with a full load of passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available safety upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Blazer's headlights received low ratings from the IIHS, preventing it from earning a "Top Safety Pick" designation.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured Toyota's Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard, with an optional spare tire for added convenience.