2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, aligning its aesthetics with the larger Chevrolet Traverse. The modernized look featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, giving it a more robust presence akin to the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base LT trim available in chrome or a high gloss black Midnight Edition. The RS trim sported black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new Activ trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior saw a transformation with a new layout, larger infotainment screen, and distinct trim-specific themes, avoiding a cheap feel and offering a choice of textures that felt intentional rather than compromised.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained its minivan identity but attempted to add style with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille. Despite these efforts, it still resembled a traditional minivan, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a Magnetic Grey paint option. Inside, the Sienna featured an updated interior with a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its appeal varied. The Sienna's design focused on maximizing passenger and cargo space, offering seating for up to eight and a hands-free power liftgate for convenience. However, the overall look remained true to its minivan roots, emphasizing function over form.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The base LT FWD model came with a CVT, while AWD versions featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, which improved upon the previous six-speed. The Equinox offered a responsive accelerator at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with selectable drive modes for different terrains. The Equinox could tow up to 680 kilograms with AWD, making it suitable for light towing needs.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and CVT, delivering a net horsepower of 245. The hybrid system provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish, even with four passengers. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. However, the handling was not particularly engaging, with a squishy feel in curves and corners. The Sienna offered a smooth ride with excellent impact isolation, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, with additional amenities available in higher trims. The flat roof provided consistent headroom, and the moonroof added light to the rear seats. The cargo space was slightly reduced, with 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded. A hidden storage compartment added convenience, though the overall cargo volume was small for its class.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited with Platinum package. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna provided generous storage space, 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 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was 30% larger than the previous model, enhancing user experience. The voice control system had some issues, but the overall tech package was comprehensive, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging for higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen display in higher trims. The TAM infotainment system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant responded well to commands. The Sienna Limited included a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality was muddied by excessive bass. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience, while the HUD provided useful information.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, and more. Standard safety features included rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits, providing peace of mind for families.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, offering forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well, though human intervention was needed in some situations. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it scored lower in frontal crash tests.