Toyota Sienna vs GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, new wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added features like a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, making the model appear more rugged. GMC aimed to make the Terrain AT4 an "off-road SUV" by equipping it with a steel skid plate under the front end to protect vital components. Our test model came with extra-cost Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, combined with the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, a Skyscape panoramic sunroof, and a three-year subscription to OnStar services, totaling a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $41,810. Despite these offerings, the Terrain's interior materials and execution fell short of GMC’s claims of "craftsmanship at its finest."

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna worked hard to shed its minivan image, starting with front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna came in various trims—LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, Platinum, and the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The XLE trim added power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, which are practical for families. Inside, the Platinum trim featured high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. With seating options for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna ensured comfort and versatility, even accommodating three car seats across the second row in eight-seater models. This design focus made the minivan's interior both functional and attractive.

Every 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Although quick acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds were lost with the discontinued 2.0-liter engine, the 1.5-liter could still handle a trailer up to 1,500 pounds. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped keep the Terrain within the thick of the torque band once rolling. The AT4 model offered FWD and AWD modes, as well as Off-Road and Hill Descent Control. However, its ground clearance was just 7.9 inches, and the sport-terrain tires didn’t excel in grip, making off-road excursions quite limiting.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. Despite seeming underpowered for the vehicle's size, the chassis and steering offered a surprisingly nimble and pleasurable driving experience. The Sienna’s variety of drive modes (EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport) adapted to different driving conditions, although Eco mode extended gear ratios too long. Sport mode didn’t provide a dramatic change. Ultimately, the hybrid setup prioritized fuel efficiency over raw power.

The 2022 GMC Terrain emphasized simplicity and comfort, featuring power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an effective climate control system. The AT4’s leather upholstery added a touch of luxury, while the back seat provided ample room and support. Interior storage included a variety of slots and compartments, although some were impractically sized. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and expanded to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions. A large cubby below the center console, a long shelf on the dashboard, and multiple cupholders enhanced its practicality. The Sienna offered significant cargo space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo capacity was 101 cubic feet. While the middle row couldn’t be fully removed or folded into the floor like in competing minivans, it did feature versatile captain’s chairs that could slide extensively on a long track. This allowed for adaptable interior configurations.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch screen for SLE trim and an 8-inch screen for higher trims. Both systems featured Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The larger screen also offered connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition tech was particularly effective. The Tech Package added a head-up display, although it was less sophisticated than competitors with its flip-up plastic panel, as well as parking assist sensors and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, while equipped with essential features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, standard Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, used an older infotainment interface. This required wired connections and featured some clunky navigation quirks, detracting from user experience. However, the 9-inch touchscreen fit well and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered high-quality sound. Despite its outdated interface, the system proved reliable.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including collision and pedestrian warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Terrain earned “Good” crash-test scores from the IIHS but was rated “Marginal” in a new side-impact test. NHTSA had not rated it yet.

With the 2023 Toyota Sienna, Toyota didn’t compromise on safety. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control—critical in a family vehicle. The 2023 Sienna earned a 5-star rating from NHTSA and was expected to replicate the 2022 model's IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Toyota did not include some of the more gimmicky safety features found in competitors, but the core systems were top-notch.