2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Subaru Outback

It dates back to the days of the raised station wagon, before a crossover was a must-have—or even a thing. It’s now in its sixth generation, and it was just refreshed last year, but while others have ballooned into mini-SUVs, the Outback has clung steadfastly to the station wagon shape.

In Canada, the 2024 Outback comes in Convenience, Touring, Onyx, Limited, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Premier XT trims. The bottom four trims come with the base engine, while the Wilderness and the two XT trims come with the higher-powered turbocharged mill. Updates for this year include feature-enriched trim levels and trim-specific aesthetic tweaks.

Verdict: Not everyone needs or wants a massive vehicle. With its higher ride height and excellent visibility, the Outback delivers the peace of mind many seek from an SUV in a smaller and more practical package. The broad trim spectrum means you can get a luxury experience at a lower price point or a no-nonsense version much cheaper.

In addition to promising 6.6–6.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, the 2025 Sienna distinguishes itself in several ways. It offers an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for extra traction. And while its maximum cargo capacity measurement falls short of rivals, you never need to remove the second-row seats to use it.

Verdict: Saving money on gas, making life simpler, and the option of AWD are all good things in a minivan. They make the Toyota Sienna worth considering if you’re also looking at cars such as the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival.