2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a modern electric SUV. This model borrowed styling cues from the 2019 car-based crossover version, applying them to a new EV-specific platform. Built around the General Motors Ultium component set, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions made it appear more like a stretch limo. The Blazer EV's design, with its tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, gave it a more aggressive stance compared to aerodynamic rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It was notably larger than these competitors, offering a more traditional SUV appearance.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trim levels, each with distinct styling elements. The LT featured a colour-coordinated front fascia, while the RS boasted a blacked-out front fascia and larger wheels. The forthcoming SS model promised unique styling and mechanical features. Inside, the RS and SS trims offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, reminiscent of the gasoline Blazer and Camaro. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands, offering a more engaging cabin experience than its competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while attempting to break away from the traditional minivan design, still retained its box-on-wheels practicality. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive look, but it couldn't entirely shake the minivan image. The Sienna's design included hidden sliding door tracks and narrow taillights that echoed the Camry sedan's styling. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs, but the Sienna remained unmistakably a minivan. For those seeking a more fashionable SUV-like appearance, the Toyota Grand Highlander was the alternative, but the Sienna's practicality was hard to beat.

Our test vehicle, the top-of-the-line Sienna Limited with the Platinum package, showcased the new Magnetic Grey paint colour. The Canadian lineup included LE, XLE, and XSE trims, with prices ranging from $51,219 to $73,753. Toyota updated the Sienna's interior for 2025, with the Platinum package featuring a new woodgrain finish. However, not everyone appreciated the design changes, with some passengers finding the interior aesthetics lacking. Despite this, the Sienna's interior was considered an improvement over previous models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration for the LT and RS trims. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In contrast, the AWD models produced 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque with an 85-kWh battery pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. The AWD was mandatory for the LT trim, while the RS offered both RWD and AWD at the same price. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was anticipated for the 2025 model year, expected to be the most affordable and popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, featuring a Wide Open Watts (WOW) launch mode for rapid acceleration.

During test drives, the RWD and AWD Blazer EV RS models demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD providing better traction off the line. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, excelling on twisty roads, but the stiff suspension compromised comfort. Cabin noise was minimal, with only slight wind noise at highway speeds. The steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking, first seen on the Chevy Bolt EV, allowed for adjustable regen levels, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while the available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system included an additional rear-mounted electric motor. The Sienna's net horsepower rating was 245, which, while modest, was complemented by the immediate torque from the electric assist motor(s). This prevented the minivan from feeling sluggish, even with four passengers. In city driving, the powertrain was unobtrusive, and highway cruising was quiet. However, hard acceleration revealed the CVT's droning sound.

The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the FWD model. However, during testing, the Sienna averaged 8.9 L/100 km with two occupants. While the Sienna offered predictable handling, it lacked the excitement of sportier vehicles. The steering was not particularly crisp, and the brakes experienced fade during a mountain descent. The Sienna XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more engaging drive, but the standard suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, despite its traditional SUV appearance, offered interior dimensions similar to its sleeker rivals, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. While the cabin felt spacious, headroom and legroom were comparable to these competitors. The Blazer EV lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving experience. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenient access, though it lacked a frunk.

Inside, the Blazer EV's stylized interior provided ample small-item storage, including a secure phone parking spot and a decent-sized centre console. However, some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment for users.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering innovative seating and cargo solutions. The front seats, power-adjustable and heated, were standard, with ventilated and perforated leather in the Limited with Platinum package. However, the cushions felt firm after extended driving. The Platinum's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the refrigerated compartment added convenience. The third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably, and the sliding side doors facilitated easy loading and unloading. Most trims featured a hands-free power liftgate.

Storage was generous, with a wide tray under the centre console, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,129 litres with the seats stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. Toyota's research suggested most owners didn't maximize space by removing seats, but this limitation might deter those needing maximum load capacity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. However, it eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The infotainment system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates for added features. The user experience was generally positive, though the touchscreen's angle and placement of controls required adjustment. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display (HUD), and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered access to four connected services plans, with varying subscription periods. The digital assistant, part of the Drive Connect plan, responded accurately to commands, enhancing the user experience. The Sienna's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Limited trim featured a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera added convenience, though the HUD could benefit from additional features.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were unavailable at the time of publication. However, it came equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS trim and optional on the RS, offering advanced driver assistance capabilities.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, an older technology set compared to TSS 3.0 found in other models. TSS 2.0 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-centring assist performed well, the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna introduced a new rear-seat reminder system, alerting drivers to movement within the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received lower scores in frontal crash tests.