2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and additional styling elements like bronze accents on the Sport trim. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape but introduced geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window shape. Inside, the Forester offered a more intentional design with structural dash elements and various upholstery options, including the easy-to-clean StarTex material in the Sport trim. The cabin's overall look was more refined and cohesive, enhancing its practicality-focused design.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna retained its minivan identity, with a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, but the Sienna still looked like a traditional minivan. Despite its boxy shape, the Sienna offered practicality with seating for up to eight passengers. The interior featured a new woodgrain finish, although opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna's design aimed to balance style with functionality, catering to families seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came with a Lineartonic CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD. The Forester's powertrain updates improved noise levels, making it quieter at cruising speeds. The X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester's acceleration was adequate, and its steering provided a smooth and confident feel. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna relied on a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, delivering 245 net horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with an optional AWD system. The Sienna's hybrid system provided immediate torque, preventing it from feeling sluggish. It achieved an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined, although real-world results varied. The Sienna's handling was secure but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The CVT's noise was noticeable during hard acceleration, but the Sienna remained quiet on the highway.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. It offered a roomy second row, although it fell slightly short in cargo space compared to some competitors. The Forester's interior featured a dark headliner and various power-adjustable seating options, enhancing comfort and practicality.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers. The Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity reached 101 cubic feet, although it lagged behind rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. The Sienna prioritized ease of use and practicality for families.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a navigation system, Harman Kardon sound system, and Subaru's Starlink connected services suite. The Forester's technology package enhanced convenience and connectivity for drivers and passengers.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured 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 plans, with a digital assistant for voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system provided comprehensive connectivity and entertainment options for occupants.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered advanced safety features, including Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Subaru's EyeSight suite. The Forester's safety enhancements included a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. While crash-test ratings were pending, the 2024 model received high marks, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, offering a range of ADAS technologies like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, although adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing family safety. However, its crash-test ratings revealed some areas for improvement.