2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior exuded luxury with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, offering a sci-fi aesthetic. AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, adding to the vehicle's opulent yet rugged appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity with a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. Despite attempts to add style, it remained unmistakably a minivan, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs, but the Sienna's focus was on functionality. The interior updates included a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its appeal varied. The Sienna's design catered to families, offering ample seating and cargo space, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing utility over style.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance at lower speeds. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model's new Active Ride Control suspension improved both off-road and on-road dynamics, offering a more comfortable ride.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, producing a net horsepower of 245. While not exceptionally powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Sienna's handling was predictable, though not particularly engaging, and the CVT's noise was noticeable during hard acceleration. The Sienna offered a smooth ride, with the XSE trim providing a sportier suspension for those seeking a slightly more dynamic driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. Its compact dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park compared to larger rivals. The G-Class provided 640 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Despite its utilitarian roots, the G-Class offered a commanding view of the road and reasonable visibility, making it a practical choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering versatile seating and cargo solutions. The front seats, while adjustable and heated, were not the most comfortable for long drives. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna provided 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 Sienna prioritized ease of use and practicality, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a seamless display, offering features like augmented reality navigation and a "Transparent Hood" for off-road visibility. The Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment added to the luxury experience. The G-Class's tech offerings were comprehensive, enhancing both convenience and entertainment for drivers and passengers.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen display for the TAM infotainment system. The system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant provided responsive voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a JBL premium audio system. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera added to the vehicle's comfort and convenience, making it a well-equipped choice for tech-savvy families.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. However, it was expected to include standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature, enhancing the vehicle's safety profile.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, offering a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided effective features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The new rear-seat reminder technology was a thoughtful addition for families. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal crash-test result for driver protection was lower than expected.