Toyota Sienna vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, despite Toyota's efforts to add style, retained the quintessential minivan look. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive appearance, but the overall design still echoed the traditional box-on-wheels formula. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, adding a touch of flair. However, the Sienna's practicality was its standout feature, offering seating for up to eight and a spacious interior. The Magnetic Grey paint colour added a modern touch to the Limited trim, which topped the Canadian lineup. Despite updates to the interior, including a new woodgrain finish, opinions on the aesthetics were mixed, with some younger passengers finding it less appealing. Nevertheless, the Sienna's interior improvements were appreciated by adult passengers.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid showcased a more dynamic and sporty design. Available exclusively in Sport trims in Canada, the RAV4 PHEV featured a bold grille and rear diffuser, giving it a truck-like presence. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, added racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch display on higher trims. The RAV4's interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like deep door pockets and multiple shelves. While the passenger space was comfortable, the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, but it still offered ample room for most needs.

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). It delivered a net horsepower of 245, which was modest given its capacity to seat up to eight passengers and tow up to 1,587 kilograms. The electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish, especially in city driving. However, the CVT's moaning during hard acceleration was noticeable. The Sienna's hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Despite its predictable handling, the Sienna's steering lacked precision, and the brakes showed signs of strain during demanding conditions. The ride was smooth and quiet, offering excellent impact isolation.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful setup. It featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power output increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and a smaller rear motor for assistance. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in EV mode for quiet city cruising, while Auto mode delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The transition of power was seamless, and the ride was spirited without sacrificing comfort. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components, providing a sportier driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering practical seating and cargo solutions. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, with ventilated leather upholstery in the Limited trim. However, the cushions felt firm during long drives. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding side doors and hands-free power liftgate made loading and unloading easy. While storage space was generous, finding secure spots for large water bottles was a challenge. The Sienna provided 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable 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 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage features. The front seats offered adequate support, and the SofTex upholstery was standard on higher trims. The RAV4's interior featured multiple storage shelves, deep door pockets, and a centre console with flexible access. While passenger space was comfortable, the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom slightly. The RAV4 PHEV's cargo area offered 951 litres, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The flat floor and temporary spare tire added practicality, although the cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system. The Limited trim 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 various connected services plans, with the Drive Connect plan providing a digital assistant for voice commands. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the JBL premium audio system delivered powerful sound, albeit with excessive bass. The Sienna's climate control system was appreciated, and the digital rearview camera offered zoom capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. The RAV4's operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system allowed for locating chargers along routes. The RAV4's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, although the lane-centring assist could waver in certain situations. The adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing safety for families. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but its frontal crash-test result was four stars, with three stars for driver protection.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve responsiveness and detection, particularly at night. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign addressed previous shortcomings in front crash protection. Crash-testing results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the NHTSA were pending.