2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. Its boxy shape and rugged features, such as flared fenders and a beefy tubular roof rack, gave it a robust appearance suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized this ruggedness with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials resembled vinyl more than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna attempted to break away from the traditional minivan design with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, adding a touch of elegance. Despite these efforts, the Sienna retained its minivan identity, prioritizing practicality over style. The interior received updates, including a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna Limited with the Platinum package offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with features like reclining captain’s chairs and a refrigerated compartment, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and a noisy engine. The soft suspension provided excellent off-road articulation but resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing a net horsepower of 245. While this might seem modest for a vehicle seating up to eight, the electric motor's torque compensated for any perceived sluggishness. The Sienna excelled in city driving with its quiet operation, though the CVT's noise became apparent during hard acceleration. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Handling was predictable but uninspiring, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It offered ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,540 litres available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver added convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit, and the third row accommodated adults comfortably. The hands-free power liftgate and sliding side doors facilitated easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with seats stowed. However, the Sienna's design limited maximum cargo capacity compared to rivals, as the second-row seats couldn't be removed. The interior offered ample storage, though securing large water bottles was challenging.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full utilization. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road performance, while differential controls maximized traction.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited trim included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, featuring a digital assistant for voice commands. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, though excessive bass was noted. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera added convenience, while the HUD offered useful information.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It scored five stars for side impacts but only three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward experience compared to TSS 3.0, which was appreciated by drivers. The minivan also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it scored four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for driver protection in frontal impacts.