Toyota Sienna vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, despite Toyota's efforts to enhance its aesthetic appeal, still bore the unmistakable silhouette of a minivan. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines attempted to add flair, but the overall design remained utilitarian, prioritizing interior space over sleekness. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, and the Magnetic Gray paint added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Sienna's updated interior featured a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its appeal varied. While some found it lacking, others appreciated the improvement over previous models.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ presented a more modern and refined appearance. The restyled exterior, especially with body-color trim, was a significant improvement over its predecessor. The interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing the sense of quality and organization. The fabric seats in the XLE trim featured an upscale pattern, and the larger 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, offering a user-friendly experience. However, the digital driver display's placement and design were less than ideal, occasionally obstructing visibility and cramming too much information into a small space.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivered a net horsepower of 245, which, while not overwhelming, was sufficient for city driving and highway cruising. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, it averaged 26.3 mpg, falling short of expectations. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The CVT, though quiet during regular driving, emitted a noticeable drone under hard acceleration.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery pack, producing 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models delivered 338 hp, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's regenerative braking system, adjustable via steering wheel paddles, lacked one-pedal driving capability but provided effective deceleration. While the bZ excelled as a comfortable and quiet cruiser, its handling was less impressive, with lifeless steering and limited traction in tight corners.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, the cushions felt hard during long drives. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 101 cubic feet. However, its inability to remove the second-row seats limited its cargo versatility compared to rivals.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, provided easy access with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, ensuring comfort for various body types. The bZ's interior featured ample storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ's cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the angled rear window restricted maximum cargo capacity.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum trim included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered various connected services, with the Drive Connect plan providing a capable digital assistant. However, the JBL premium audio system's excessive bass and lack of clarity were drawbacks. The Sienna's climate control system and digital rearview camera were appreciated for their functionality.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. While the driver display's placement and design were problematic, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors in daytime mode were minor inconveniences. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connected service plans. The Drive Connect plan powered the native navigation system and the Intelligent Assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While the Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal crash-test result was less impressive, with only three stars for driver protection.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). The bZ's adaptive cruise control was inconsistent in traffic, and the camera-based driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but its headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash-tests earned Acceptable ratings, falling short of a Top Safety Pick award.