2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a commendable exterior design, aligning with Chevrolet's recent trend of stylish SUVs. Its interior followed suit with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, offering an appealing layout. However, the quality of materials used was a letdown, with hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather that failed to convincingly mimic genuine leather. This was particularly disappointing given the Traverse's higher price point compared to smaller Chevrolet models.

In Canada, the Traverse was available in LT, Z71, and RS trims, with base prices ranging from $54,333 to $70,333. Our test vehicle, a Z71 off-road version, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and an Enhanced Driving Package, bringing its MSRP to $68,681. Despite its rugged appeal, the Traverse's interior materials did not justify its cost.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna attempted to break away from the traditional minivan design with upswept body lines and hidden sliding door tracks. However, its trapezoidal grille and overall shape still evoked the "Dustbuster" metaphor. The Sienna's Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, but the minivan's essence remained unchanged.

Our test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Sienna Limited with the Platinum package, was painted in Magnetic Grey. It topped a Canadian lineup that included LE, XLE, and XSE trims, with prices from $51,219 to $73,753. Toyota updated the Sienna's interior for 2025, but the new woodgrain finish received mixed reviews. While adults found the interior improved, a younger passenger criticized the design, highlighting a generational divide in aesthetic preferences.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Despite its unappealing exhaust note, the engine delivered ample power, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, offered increased ground clearance and a suite of features like all-terrain tires and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse excelled in off-road conditions, handling trails and rough terrain with ease. However, its size and suspension made it feel cumbersome on narrow roads, and the brakes were occasionally touchy.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, producing a net 245 horsepower. While this seemed modest for an eight-passenger vehicle, the electric motor's torque compensated for any perceived sluggishness. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, with an official rating of 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving. However, our test model averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was secure but uninspiring, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The CVT's noise during hard acceleration was a drawback, but the overall driving experience was quiet and comfortable.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered generous interior space, with a width that provided ample room for front-seat occupants. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats added to the comfort. The Traverse could seat up to eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs providing good support. However, the third-row seats lacked a view due to the rear window design, and there were no USB ports for third-row passengers. Cargo space was impressive, with 648 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second row folded. Folding the third row was cumbersome, requiring adjustments to the second-row seats.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, 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 seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding doors and seats made loading and unloading easy. Storage was generous, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats stowed. However, its maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres was less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked a tuning knob. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel provided customizable views, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Our test vehicle 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, and the digital assistant responded well to voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system paired with a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though the sound quality was bass-heavy. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera added to the Sienna's appeal.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids under the Chevy Safety Assist umbrella. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enhanced Driving Package added Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older version of Toyota's safety suite. It included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety tech generally performed well, though the lane-centring assist could waver. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but its frontal crash-test result was less impressive, with only three stars for driver protection.