Is the Toyota Sienna the Best Minivan for Your Needs?
The Toyota Sienna has long been overshadowed by SUVs in the market, but it remains a strong contender for those seeking a versatile and practical vehicle. With prices starting at $36,885, the Sienna offers unmatched utility and a nod to the classic soccer mom image. In this review, we’ll explore the Sienna’s exterior, interior, powertrain, and overall driving experience to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your utilitarian needs.
Exterior Design
The Toyota Sienna features quintessential Toyota design elements, borrowing cues from the sporty Supra and boasting wide, exaggerated rear quarters. Its length measures 204 inches, making it slightly longer than Toyota’s new Grand Highlander SUV. The Sienna comes in a subtle glossy grey color called Cement and offers a distinct LED headlight suite that sets it apart from its competitors. Other notable exterior features include roof rails, a color-keyed spoiler, tow hitch receiver, and upgraded 18-inch wheels (with the option to upgrade to 20 inches). One standout feature is the hands-free dual power sliding doors accessible through the key fob or door handles.
Interior Features
The Sienna’s interior is packed with features and ample storage space, making it the ideal minivan for families or anyone in need of versatility. With 18 cupholders, the Sienna offers one of the highest counts in the market. The XLE trim, featured in this review, provides seating for seven with captain chairs in the second row and a bench for the third row, all of which can be folded down for additional cargo space. The front features a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, paired with a JBL 12-speaker system. Unique features include four-zone climate control, individual climate controls for the first and second-row seats, and an 11.6-inch 1080HD entertainment system in front of the second row. The Sienna also includes a 1500 watt inverter and an abundance of USB and USB-C chargers.
Efficient Powertrain
The Sienna is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid system that produces a combined 245 horsepower. Paired with an ECVT transmission, power is sent to the front wheels. This particular model is equipped with on-demand all-wheel drive, which adds an additional motor for the rear axle, resulting in a total of three electric motors. This setup provides power as needed in low-traction situations and acceleration, making the 4,700-pound minivan surprisingly agile. The Sienna Hybrid boasts an impressive EPA-rated fuel economy of 35 mpg city / 36 mpg highway, with a combined rating of 35 mpg. With its 18-gallon fuel tank, the Sienna offers an estimated range of 630 miles, minimizing the need for frequent refueling on both daily commutes and long road trips.
Smooth and Reliable Drive
The Toyota Sienna offers a comfortable and smooth driving experience. The steering is responsive without feeling over-boosted, and while some rubber banding is typical for vehicles with a CVT transmission, the Sienna’s brakes perform well and provide a reassuring stopping power. The front visibility is excellent, aided by adequately sized side mirrors. The length of the vehicle may pose challenges when using the rear-view mirror, but the backup camera is a useful tool for parking. Furthermore, the Sienna’s interior is notably quiet, ensuring a peaceful ride for all passengers.
Conclusion
The Toyota Sienna remains a reliable option in the declining minivan market, offering a host of features and practicality. With its ability to comfortably accommodate more passengers than similarly priced SUVs, as well as its impressive hybrid fuel economy and range, the Sienna proves to be a compelling choice for those in need of a versatile vehicle. If you can overlook the minivan stigma, the Sienna certainly deserves consideration.