2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested during a significant snowstorm, showcased its capability with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, which are part of the Rock Creek trim. This trim also featured seven selectable driving modes, including a dedicated snow mode, enhancing its off-road appeal. The Pathfinder's design, revamped in 2022, presented an assertive front end with protective cladding and a stylish C-pillar. The Rock Creek trim further distinguished itself with a V-Motion grille, stacked LED lighting, and a metal roof rack, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. However, despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover without additional ground clearance or skid plates, and it lacked a full-size spare tire. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with heated front seats and a generally comfortable interior, though it didn't boast cutting-edge technology.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while maintaining the traditional minivan silhouette, attempted to add style with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a Magnetic Grey paint colour. Despite these efforts, the Sienna remained unmistakably a minivan, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The interior, updated for 2025, featured a woodgrain finish that received mixed reviews. The Sienna Limited with the Platinum package offered a spacious and functional interior, with seating for up to eight and a focus on comfort and convenience. However, the design and materials didn't impress all passengers, and the overall look was more functional than luxurious.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered a slight boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Despite the increased power, the Rock Creek's performance was tempered by its all-terrain tires. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the vehicle's towing capacity reached up to 2,720 kilograms in higher trims. However, the Pathfinder's soft suspension led to a floaty ride on twisty roads, making it less composed than some competitors. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek trim was 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 10.0 on the highway, with a combined average of 11.1 L/100 km.

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 not particularly powerful, the Sienna's electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing it from feeling sluggish. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving for the FWD model. However, during testing, it averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The CVT's droning was noticeable during hard acceleration, but the overall driving experience was quiet and comfortable.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered ample interior space, despite not matching the cargo capacity of some competitors. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. Cargo space measured 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,279 litres with both rows down. 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. However, the front passenger seat had only six-way manual adjustment in lower trims. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, offering power-adjustable and heated front seats, with ventilated leather 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 accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space measured 949 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed, and 2,860 litres with the second row tipped forward. However, the Sienna's maximum cargo capacity was less than rivals due to its non-removable second-row seats. The Sienna's design facilitated easy loading and unloading, with sliding side doors and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology lagged behind competitors, featuring an older infotainment interface with an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system in the Platinum trim. Navigation was standard only on the SL and Platinum trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum. The Pathfinder's tech was functional but not cutting-edge, with physical buttons and rotary knobs for user-friendly operation.

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. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, including a digital assistant for voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Limited trim featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system. The Sienna's tech was comprehensive and user-friendly, with a focus on connectivity and convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash testing and rollover evaluation. The Pathfinder came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. ProPilot Assist and traffic sign recognition were standard on higher trims, enhancing the Pathfinder's safety credentials.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older version of Toyota's safety suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the Sienna's safety tech was effective, it required driver vigilance in certain situations. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal crash-test result for driver protection was only three stars, the lowest among minivans. The Sienna introduced a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing its family-friendly safety features.