2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, particularly in the high-performance Ioniq 5 N variant. Hyundai kept the styling largely unchanged through its mid-cycle refresh, with only mild revisions to the lower front fascia. The vehicle retained its signature "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and a high rear spoiler. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were introduced for the XRT, while the overall color palette expanded with Atlas White Matte and Ecotronic Gray Matte. The interior saw minimal changes, maintaining its open and uncluttered space with a modern feel. The XRT trim added a rugged touch with a dark interior, all-weather floor mats, and the XRT logo debossed in the seats.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna retained its minivan appearance, despite Toyota's efforts to add style with features like a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. The Sienna's design included hidden sliding door tracks and swollen rear fenders, drawing a family resemblance to the Camry sedan. The Platinum trim level introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna still looked like a traditional minivan, prioritizing practicality over style. The test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Platinum model, featured a new Magnetic Gray paint color and came loaded with accessories, bringing its MSRP to $58,634. The interior updates included a "new woodgrain finish," which received mixed reviews. The Sienna's interior was considered an improvement over previous models, but it still faced criticism for certain design choices.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT offered a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to cycle through Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. These modes adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system providing confidence and control. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, offering a range of up to 318 miles in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. Power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5's instant torque provided an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The net horsepower rating was 245, which was adequate for a minivan seating up to eight people and towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, it averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth and absorbent ride. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic driving experience. The Sienna's CVT could be noisy under hard acceleration, but it provided a quiet ride on the highway.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered generous interior dimensions, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded down. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing its charging capabilities.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, offering 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 accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna provided generous storage space, with a wide tray under the center console and a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo capacity measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 101 cubic feet, less than some rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. The Sienna's design favored ease of use over maximum load space.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for its infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Hyundai improved functionality with faster processing speeds and added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims, while all models included standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. The Ioniq 5's tech offerings included a head-up display on the Limited trim and a wireless charging pad starting at the SEL trim level.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for its Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system on higher trims. The Platinum model featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system provided access to various connected services plans, with features like a digital assistant and native music streaming. The Sienna Platinum included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, although sound quality could be improved. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience and comfort for passengers.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. The model included comprehensive safety and driver-assistance features, with new additions like an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 offered Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2, with the latter providing lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 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 driving experience. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing safety for families. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it received lower scores in frontal crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement.