2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle delivered. The upper trims featured faux skid plates, and there were off-road-themed versions with utility-style roof racks. The TRD Off-Road trim, tested in the U.S., was discontinued in Canada after 2022, leaving the Limited trim as the top option. Prices for the RAV4 in Canada ranged from $36,215 for the base LE to $47,815 for the Limited, with hybrids costing slightly more but offering better fuel efficiency.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin was all about utility, with features like a full-width shelf across the dashboard and easy-clean surfaces. The interior's quality improved with higher budgets, offering contrast-colour choices on select trims for a more upscale feel. The test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror, a feature available on Limited trims in Canada. The RAV4 could comfortably accommodate four adults, with a fifth in a pinch, and offered a spacious cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, maintained the classic minivan silhouette, prioritizing interior space over exterior style. Despite attempts to add flair with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille, it still resembled a traditional minivan. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, but the Sienna's overall look remained utilitarian. The test vehicle, a Limited trim with the Platinum package, was painted in the new Magnetic Grey colour. Canadian prices ranged from $51,219 to $73,753, with the Limited trim offering the most features.

Inside, the Sienna's interior was updated for 2025, with the Platinum package adding a woodgrain finish. However, not everyone appreciated the new look, with some younger passengers finding it unappealing. The Sienna's interior was more comfortable for adults, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests. The third-row seat was accommodating, and the hands-free power liftgate made loading easy. Cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with the seats stowed, though it fell short compared to rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential, and while it was powerful for its class, it was also loud and unrefined. The RAV4 featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes. Ground clearance varied between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres, depending on the model. Fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the LE model slightly more efficient at 7.9 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, in contrast, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The net horsepower was 245, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing up to 1,587 kilograms. However, the electric motor's torque provided immediate power, making the Sienna feel more responsive than expected. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with a rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the front-wheel-drive model. On the evaluation loop, the Sienna averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and excellent impact isolation.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage options and oversized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and standard heated front seats in Canada. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were exclusive to the Limited trim. The RAV4 could comfortably seat four adults, with a fifth in a pinch, and offered a spacious cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests. The third-row seat was accommodating, and the hands-free power liftgate made loading easy. Cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with the seats stowed. However, the non-removable second-row seats limited maximum cargo capacity compared to rivals.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or available 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect, free for ten years, and Remote Connect, complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription and added cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The test vehicle had a digital rearview mirror but lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited trim included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered four connected services plans, with varying complimentary subscription periods. The digital assistant performed well, and the JBL premium audio system provided decent sound quality. The Sienna also featured a see-through surround-view camera and a head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and other advanced driver-assistance systems. However, it lost its Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it scored only three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.