2024 Toyota Sienna vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in Canada in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, presented a distinctive appearance with sleek front and rear fascias. It offered a range of cool colours like deep blue, red, and bronze. LED lighting was standard, with upper trims featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, noted for its sporty look, included a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. Inside, the Sienna provided cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight, with the XSE trim offering leatherette-trimmed sport seats and a heated, leather-trimmed power steering wheel.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested during a snowstorm, came in Rock Creek trim with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive. Redesigned for 2022, the Pathfinder featured an assertive front end, protective cladding, and a stylish C-pillar. The Rock Creek trim added a V-Motion grille with mesh pattern and stacked LED lighting. A metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch highlighted its adventurous look. Inside, the Pathfinder offered cloth seats with leatherette-and-cloth upholstery in the Rock Creek trim, and heated front seats and steering wheel were standard in Canada.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna was a hybrid minivan with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 245 horsepower. It offered all-wheel drive with an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, the Sienna felt sluggish, with a CVT that made acceleration smooth but slow. It excelled in town driving with Normal or Eco mode, though brakes were a bit grabby. Visibility was excellent, but for more driving pleasure, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival were recommended.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering 295 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing decisive shifts. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 2,720 kilograms in higher trims. It rode on a soft suspension, suitable for light off-roading but less composed on twisty roads. Fuel economy was moderate, with the Rock Creek averaging 13.6 L/100 km. Seven drive modes and hill descent control enhanced traction management.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna offered practical interior features, including a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders. Second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom, though the slide function was complex, and seats couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible, with adjustable seats and window shades. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with an additional zone in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats folded.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller than some competitors, provided ample space during a ski trip with four adults. It offered 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,279 litres with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard on SV and Rock Creek trims. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat in the Rock Creek trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical buttons for common menus were appreciated, but the backup camera was grainy. A 7-inch digital display provided essential information. Available features included SiriusXM radio, a 12-speaker JBL stereo, and a rear-camera mirror. USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter were available, though activation required a button near the driver’s seat.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's tech was less impressive compared to competitors. It featured an older interface with an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, with wireless projection for Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system in the Platinum trim. Navigation was limited to higher trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna included the Toyota Safety Sense suite with lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Sienna received four stars from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard, with traffic sign recognition on higher trims.