2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing icon in the automotive world, continued to blend seamlessly into traffic despite its massive size. With a length of nearly 19 feet and a height over six feet, it was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban environments. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a solid choice. Available in six trims, from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, it offered a range of features, including automatic windshield wipers and LED lights. The interior, while spacious and comfortable, especially in higher trims with leather upholstery, felt somewhat ordinary despite its premium features.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna, with its minivan design, aimed to maximize interior space and practicality. Despite attempts to add style with features like a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines, it still resembled a traditional minivan. The Platinum trim, with its new flower-petal wheel designs, offered a fresh look. Inside, the Sienna boasted a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The interior updates were generally well-received, providing a more upscale feel than previous models. The Sienna's design prioritized functionality, offering seating for up to eight and easy access through sliding doors, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The diesel engine, with its 460 pound-feet of torque, provided excellent fuel economy and towing capabilities, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing efficiency. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its responsive steering and brakes. However, drivers needed to be mindful of its weight, especially during braking.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing a net 245 horsepower. While not particularly powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The hybrid system excelled in fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. The Sienna's handling was predictable, though not particularly engaging, and the brakes required caution during sudden stops. The ride was smooth and quiet, making it a comfortable choice for family trips.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it an ideal choice for those needing substantial storage capacity. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refueling, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna provided practical seating solutions, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers, and the third row accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 101 cubic feet. However, the Sienna's design did not allow for the removal of second-row seats, limiting its maximum cargo capacity compared to rivals.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher trims came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and 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 various connected services, with a digital assistant that responded well to commands. The 12-speaker JBL audio system, while equipped with Clari-Fi technology, produced excessive bass and sounded muddy at times.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests and five in side-crash tests. It came with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving technology, as an option.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward experience. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars for driver protection in frontal impacts. A new rear-seat reminder system was added for 2025, enhancing safety for families.