Toyota Sienna offers unbeatable interior space and family-focused versatility few vehicles can match.
The EV9 delivers power, presence, and zero-emission driving wrapped in a modern, well-equipped SUV.
Choosing between them depends on priorities: cargo space and agility vs. power and EV practicality.

A few years ago, if you’d asked me what vehicle I’d rely on for family life, road trips, and all the chaos of this busy lifestyle, my answer would’ve been immediate: the Toyota Sienna. It’s been my gold standard for space, fuel efficiency, comfort, and usability for nearly five years. In fact, I’ve loved the Sienna since it launched in the late 1990s, replacing the awesome Previa, which took over from the ultra-cool Van (aka MasterAce). I thus have long proudly dubbed myself the “Minivan Queen.”

2025 Toyota Sienna | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

But things change. Life changes. And now, I find myself with my name on a 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD’s title—an electric six-seater SUV. I would’ve laughed if you’d told me a year ago I’d be driving an EV, let alone a three-row electric SUV. Yet here we are.

This isn’t a “which is better” story—it’s a “did I make a mistake?” story. And after spending serious seat time in both vehicles, the answer is… complicated.

Styling and Street Presence

2025 Toyota Sienna VS Kia EV9 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

Let’s get this out of the way: buy a Sienna if you want to blend in. Even in the new-for-2025 Limited trim with the Platinum package, it flies completely under the radar. The EV9, on the other hand, used to turn heads. Now, not so much—thanks to rising popularity—but it still has more curb appeal, and visual muscle, especially in Ocean Blue.

My EV9 isn’t entirely stock. I swapped the wheels for aftermarket FAST EV01 units and wrapped them in Hankook Ion Evo tires. It adds a little flair, but it doesn’t change what matters most: what’s inside.

Interior Layout and Space Showdown

This is where the Sienna wipes the EV9’s filthy floor with, well, the EV9.

Behind the third row, the Sienna offers 949 litres of cargo space. The Kia EV9? Just 573. That difference matters when you’re hauling four kids and all their gear. The Sienna’s boot has very accessible depth, which effortlessly swallows small or large parcels. Stow the third-row bench and the Sienna continues its dominance with 2,129 litres behind the second row vs. the EV9’s 1,233. And if you fold down all the way to the front? A smart car could live in the Sienna’s 2,860 litres. The EV9 offers barely more volume behind its front row compared to what’s behind the Toyota’s second row.

Access also matters. Power sliding doors in the Sienna make loading kids in tight parking spots a breeze. Plus, the kids love the buttons and the brilliant low handles they can use to hoist themselves in. The EV9? Conventional doors and the classic sibling “door shove” and potential body damage.

Seating flexibility is another win for the Sienna. From the brilliant XSE up to the Limited with the Platinum package, you get captain’s chairs in the second row and a proper three-seat bench in the third. That’s seven seats total. My EV9? Just six, unless you opt to keep the second-row bench.

A thought on the Sienna Platinum’s fridge and vacuum cleaner: It might sound cool (pun intended) as an extension of the front row console, but it blocks the middle aisle and honestly gets in the way more than anything.

Powertrain and Driving Experience

On the road, the tables turn.

The Sienna’s hybrid setup is solid: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 245 system horsepower. Paired with AWD and eCVT, I’ve averaged 6.7 to 7.0 L/100 km consistently. The ride is surprisingly agile for a 5+-metre-long minivan. Weighing about 4,825 lbs, it feels light on its feet. Throw it into an on-ramp, and it holds its own. I’ve done it. Many times.

But the EV9’s power is intoxicating. Dual motors pump out 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It weighs about 1,000 lbs more than the Sienna, but the torque more than makes up for it. Acceleration is smooth, effortless, and addictive. It’s also quick to charge (not as quick as fueling up, of course), and with over 450 km of range on a full charge, it fits easily into my daily routine.

Braking is more involved in the EV9 too, thanks to strong regenerative braking and paddle control. It’s engaging, and honestly, it makes city driving more fun.

Pricing and Value

Here’s where it gets real. The Sienna Limited AWD with the Platinum package sits at nearly $71,000. The EV9 Land AWD with the Premium Package comes in at $74,995. That’s roughly a $4,000 difference.

Yes, the EV9 offers more power and tech and requires fewer fuel station visits. But the Sienna delivers unmatched cargo flexibility, lower running costs (in terms of price, not energy), and more seating. Sure, the fridge and vacuum in the Sienna are cute gimmicks, but the real value lies in everything else. Here, the $55,000 XSE AWD Sienna makes the most sense.

The Verdict

This isn’t a break-up letter to the Sienna. Not even close. In fact, I still dream of its sliding doors when I’m wedged between two other SUVs at the grocery store. And if you need serious family-hauling practicality, it’s still the vehicle to beat—minivan stigma be damned.

But the EV9 has changed my perspective. I love the torque, not having to buy fuel, the modern tech, and the quiet cabin. Is it perfect? No. Would I go back to a Sienna tomorrow? Maybe, depending on how many hockey bags I need to carry that week. So far, none of the kids are showing interest in lacing up skates, so I’m good for now.

At this very moment, the EV9 edges it out. Barely. But I’m keeping my crown. Once a Minivan Queen, always a Minivan Queen.