2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing icon in the automotive world, continued to blend seamlessly into traffic despite its massive size. With a history spanning 90 years, the Suburban was a familiar sight on the roads, offering a sense of tradition rather than novelty. Its imposing dimensions, stretching nearly the length of an NBA baseline three-point shot and standing tall enough to rival an NBA player, were not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, for those in need of ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a compelling choice. Available in six trims, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, including automatic windshield wipers, LED lighting, and tinted windows. While the interior provided comfort and space, even the top-tier trims left some features as optional, such as power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof. The cabin, though spacious, felt somewhat pedestrian, with supportive but not overly comfortable seats for long journeys.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity with a design that attempted to add style to the traditional box-on-wheels formula. Despite efforts to modernize its appearance with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille, the Sienna still resembled a minivan. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a fresh paint colour, but the Sienna remained true to its practical roots. Inside, the Sienna's interior received updates, including a woodgrain finish that divided opinions. While some found it lacking, others appreciated the improvements. The Sienna Limited with the Platinum package offered a range of features, including a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Sienna's practicality came at the cost of maximum cargo capacity, which fell short compared to its rivals. Despite this, the Sienna excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, making it a reliable choice for families seeking comfort and functionality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: two V8s and a straight-six diesel. The standard 5.3-litre V8 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, was the most common option, providing ample power and a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, boasted 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, impressed with its fuel efficiency and towing capabilities. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a refined driving experience, making it a preferred choice for those seeking better fuel economy. The Suburban's size was undeniable, but its steering and brakes were up to the task, and the height-adjustable air suspension added to its versatility.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid system, with a net horsepower rating of 245, provided adequate power for city driving and highway cruising. While the Sienna's towing capacity was limited to 1,587 kilograms, the electric assist motor(s) offered immediate torque, preventing the minivan from feeling sluggish. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the front-wheel-drive model. However, the CVT's noise during hard acceleration was noticeable. The Sienna's handling was predictable, but not particularly engaging, with a smooth and absorbent ride. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic driving experience, but overall, the Sienna prioritized comfort over sportiness.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres with all seats down. This made it a top choice for those needing substantial carrying capacity. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long highway journeys without frequent refueling.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while practical, offered less cargo space compared to its rivals. With 949 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,860 litres, the Sienna fell short in terms of maximum load capacity. However, its interior was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests. The Sienna's sliding side doors and hands-free power liftgate added convenience, making it easy to load and unload passengers and cargo.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered a more advanced infotainment setup, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrumentation panel. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system provided access to connected services, including a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The Sienna's JBL premium audio system, while powerful, required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added to the Sienna's tech offerings, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist included as standard. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving feature, as part of the Advanced Technology Package.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While the Sienna's safety tech performed well, it required driver intervention in certain situations. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal crash-test result for driver protection was less impressive.