2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in Canada in three main trims: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, designed for those interested in moderate off-roading. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not intended to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing for the Traverse was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833 and the RS reaching up to $65,733. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and was available in six colours, including the premium Iridescent Pearl Tricoat. The interior of the Z71 was adorned with "Torch Red" accents, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, with its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines, maintained the traditional minivan look despite Toyota's efforts to add style. The Sienna's design included hidden sliding door tracks and swollen rear fenders, with narrow taillights that echoed the Camry sedan. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. The Sienna's practicality was evident in its seating for up to eight and generous cargo space. The Limited trim with the Platinum package, priced at $73,753, featured a Magnetic Grey paint colour and an updated interior with a woodgrain finish. However, the interior updates received mixed reviews, with some passengers finding the design unappealing.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse provided satisfactory acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's length was noticeable in tight spaces. The ride quality was commendable, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy was rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, delivering a net horsepower of 245. While this might seem modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing 1,587 kg, the electric motor's torque provided adequate performance. The Sienna was quiet in city and highway driving, though the CVT was noisy during hard acceleration. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 L/100 km combined for the FWD model. However, during testing, the Sienna averaged 8.9 L/100 km combined. The handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with some squishiness in curves. The ride was smooth and absorbent, akin to a marshmallow on wheels, and the vehicle was impressively quiet on the highway.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS trim featured second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and the power-folding third row was standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the centre console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row's view was limited. The Z71's driver's seat was power-operated, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited trim. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults. The Sienna's sliding side doors and second-row seats facilitated easy loading and unloading. Storage space was generous, with a wide tray under the centre console, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. Cargo capacity was 949 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was responsive, with simple menus and an 11-inch digital instrument display. The Google-based software included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad was standard. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less accessible. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which expanded its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited trim featured a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant responded well to commands. The Limited trim included a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality was bass-heavy. The four-zone climate control system was appreciated, and the digital rearview camera offered zoom capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems provided peace of mind during the test drive.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older version of Toyota's safety suite, which was preferred for its less intrusive technology. TSS 2.0 included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The new rear-seat reminder technology was a thoughtful addition for families. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received lower scores in frontal crash tests.