2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front and angular gray body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle delivered. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint and additional packages that enhanced its utility. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused features like easy-clean surfaces and rubber-lined storage areas. Higher trims offered more luxurious interiors, with contrast-color choices available in the XLE Premium or Limited trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained the classic minivan silhouette, with a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines that added a touch of style. The Platinum trim, priced at $58,634 with options, included new flower-petal wheel designs and a Magnetic Gray paint color. The Sienna's interior was updated with a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The minivan offered seating for up to eight and prioritized practicality with features like a hands-free power liftgate and easy access to the third row. However, its maximum cargo capacity was less than its rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach angles were similar to other models in the lineup. The SUV handled daily commutes well, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. However, the engine was noisy and unrefined, and the RAV4 averaged 26.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter engine and a CVT, delivering a net horsepower of 245. The minivan's AWD system included an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna's powertrain was designed for efficiency, it provided adequate performance for city driving and highway cruising. The official EPA rating for the FWD model was 36 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was secure but not particularly engaging, and the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The ride was smooth and quiet, except when the CVT droned during hard acceleration.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage options and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The driver's seat was comfortable, and visibility was excellent, especially with the digital rearview mirror. The RAV4 could accommodate four adults comfortably, with a rear seat that offered good legroom and footroom. The cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered unique seating solutions, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat was accommodating for adults. The minivan's storage space was generous, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. The Sienna's cargo capacity was 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the seats stowed. However, its maximum cargo capacity of 101 cubic feet was less than its competitors due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected services plans. The system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The digital voice assistant worked well, though it had some limitations. The RAV4 also offered a digital rearview mirror and an optional JBL premium audio system.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Platinum trim included a four-zone climate control system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered five connected services plans, with varying subscription periods. The digital assistant was responsive, and the system integrated Apple and Amazon Music accounts. The Sienna's JBL premium audio system had excessive bass, and the four-zone climate control was appreciated by passengers.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The TSS 2.5 system was adequate but had some limitations, such as excessive braking in certain situations. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well, though the lane-centering assist could waver in some situations. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025, which issued alerts if movement was detected in the cabin. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it scored lower in frontal crash tests.