2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior exuded luxury with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, offering a sci-fi aesthetic. AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, adding to the vehicle's appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity with a design focused on practicality. Despite attempts to add style with a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines, it remained unmistakably a minivan. The Sienna Platinum model, tested in Magnetic Gray, offered a range of trims and prices, with the interior updated for a more upscale look. However, opinions on the new woodgrain finish were mixed. The Sienna's interior was generally well-received, with comfortable seating and practical features like a hands-free power liftgate, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 443 horsepower, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also boasted an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna relied on a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT. It offered 245 horsepower, which was adequate for city driving and highway cruising. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. While the Sienna's handling was predictable, it lacked the excitement of sportier vehicles. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more engaging drive, but overall, the Sienna prioritized comfort and practicality over performance.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than some luxury SUVs, offering ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, making it competitive with midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class was relatively easy to maneuver and park, thanks to its short length and narrow width.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering versatile seating and cargo solutions. The Platinum trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, though they were not the most comfortable for long drives. 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 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the seats stowed. However, it lacked the maximum cargo capacity of some rivals due to its fixed second-row seats.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature for improved visibility. Notable options included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system. The MBUX system offered augmented reality navigation and excellent voice recognition, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen display for the TAM infotainment 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 to voice commands. The Sienna Platinum featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality varied depending on the source. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added to the vehicle's convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. It included standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older version of Toyota's safety suite, which some drivers preferred for its simplicity. It included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received lower scores in frontal crash tests.