2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Toyota Sienna retained its minivan essence despite Toyota's efforts to inject some style into its design. The trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of a hand vacuum, and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive look, but it still bore the unmistakable silhouette of a minivan. The rear fenders and narrow taillights added a touch of flair, drawing a family resemblance to the Camry sedan. The new flower-petal wheel designs in the Platinum package were a notable update, but the Sienna remained a practical choice for those prioritizing interior space over aesthetics. The Magnetic Grey paint on the Limited with the Platinum package added a touch of elegance to the Canadian lineup, which included LE, XLE, and XSE trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada presented a more commanding presence with its high beltline and imposing grille, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The new C-shaped LED lighting signature and the PRO-4X's skid plate added to its rugged appeal. The Armada's side profile exuded a business-like demeanor, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The round wheel arches and black plastic cladding on the PRO-4X emphasized its off-road capabilities. The rear featured a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims, enhancing its modern look. The Armada's design updates, including the two-tone paint job, contributed to its bold and adventurous character.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With a net horsepower rating of 245, it wasn't the most powerful option, but the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing it from feeling sluggish. The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, achieving an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the FWD model. However, during testing, it averaged 8.9 L/100 km. While the Sienna offered predictable handling and a smooth ride, it lacked the excitement of a sporty drive. The XSE trim with a sport-tuned suspension added a hint of fun, but overall, the Sienna prioritized comfort and practicality.

The 2025 Nissan Armada boasted a new powertrain with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system enhanced its performance. The Armada PRO-4X featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. The adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a comfortable ride on-road and improved ground clearance off-road. With a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms, the Armada excelled in versatility. Its eight selectable drive modes, including Sand, Rock, and Mud/Rut, catered to various terrains, while the updated electric power steering offered a balanced driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function with its practical interior layout. The front seats, power-adjustable and heated, provided comfort, though the cushions felt hard during long drives. The Platinum's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers, and the refrigerated compartment added convenience. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and the hands-free power liftgate facilitated easy loading and unloading. The Sienna offered generous storage space, with 949 litres behind the third row and a maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres. However, it fell short compared to rivals due to its non-removable second-row seats, limiting its versatility for maximum load space.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up centre console space for a wireless charging pad. The Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort with standard power adjustments. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors were standard in Canada, with additional cooling and heating options for higher trims. The third-row seats, with power one-touch folding, provided increased cargo space. The Armada's cargo volume improved, with 577 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,750 litres. While it fell short of some American rivals, it surpassed the Toyota Sequoia. The Armada's interior space adjustments, including increased legroom in the third row, enhanced passenger comfort.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system. The Limited with Platinum package included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display (HUD), and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, including a digital assistant for voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience, though the HUD lacked blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on the SL trim and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, and Google Built-In were standard features. Google Maps was native, allowing navigation on the driver information display. The Platinum Reserve trim included a head-up display. In Canada, all Armadas featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, offering impressive sound quality. The Armada's infotainment system, with its flat display unit and Google integration, provided a user-friendly experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked the latest TSS 3.0, the Sienna's safety features performed well, with lane-centring assist and blind-spot monitoring. The new rear-seat reminder technology added a thoughtful touch for families. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though its frontal crash-test result was four stars, and it scored three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with enhanced versions on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 included adaptive cruise control and active lane-centring steering assistance, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on the Platinum Reserve offered hands-free highway driving assist technology. The Armada also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The surround-view camera and 3D Around View Monitor provided additional safety features. The Armada's safety technology, including the Invisible Hood View, offered practical benefits for everyday driving.