Is the Toyota Sienna the best minivan on the market? Well, it’s certainly one of the best. But how do you know if it’s the right one for you?
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan manufactured by Toyota since 1994. It’s one of the best-selling vehicles in the US, and it’s a great choice for families. But what exactly is a minivan? And what makes the Toyota Sienna so special?
In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Sienna and how it compares to other minivans.
In this post we'll cover:
What Makes the Toyota Sienna Stand Out from the Crowd?
The Toyota Sienna has a sleek and modern exterior design that is sure to turn heads. It features a bold front grille, sharp lines, and available LED headlights and taillights. The Sienna also comes standard with a variety of features, including:
- Power sliding doors
- Power liftgate
- Roof rails
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Privacy glass
Interior Comfort and Cargo Capacity
The Sienna’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can slide forward and back to provide more legroom, and the third-row seats can fold flat to create extra cargo space. Other interior features include:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Available leather-trimmed seats
- Available heated front seats
- Available power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Available rear-seat entertainment system
Powertrain and Performance
The Sienna comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The Sienna’s powertrain and performance features include:
- Maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds
- Available sport-tuned suspension
- Available all-wheel drive system with active torque control
- EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway
Price and Range
The Sienna’s price range starts at around $34,000 for the base L model and goes up to around $50,000 for the fully loaded Platinum model. The Sienna is priced competitively with other minivans in its class, such as the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, and the new Pacifica Hybrid. The Sienna’s price and range features include:
- Six available trim levels
- Available all-wheel drive system
- Competitive pricing compared to other minivans in its class
Significant Improvements from its Predecessor
The Sienna has made significant improvements from its predecessor, including:
- More powerful engine
- Improved fuel economy
- Available all-wheel drive system
- Updated interior design and features
- Available rear-seat entertainment system
Downsides and Meaningful Comparisons
While the Sienna has many great features, there are a few downsides to consider, such as:
- Limited cargo space behind the third-row seats
- No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
When comparing the Sienna to other minivans in its class, it’s important to consider factors such as:
- Interior and cargo space
- Powertrain and performance
- Price and range
- Available features and options
Overall, the Toyota Sienna is a high-quality minivan that offers a range of features and options to meet the needs of families on the go.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance of the Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive acceleration. The powertrain is exclusively front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available for those who need it.
For the new 2021 model year, Toyota has added an electric motor to the Sienna’s powertrain. This motor adds an extra 80 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, bringing the total output to an amazing 243 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is combined with the V6 engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to deliver excellent acceleration and fuel economy.
Performance and Towing Capacity
The Toyota Sienna has always been known for its strong and powerful performance, and the latest version is no exception. The new powertrain setup delivers a prominent boost in power and torque, bringing the acceleration to a new level. The Sienna offers direct and active handling, bringing a short and lower body ideal for city driving.
The Sienna’s towing capacity is also impressive, with a maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds. This means that it can easily tow a small trailer or a boat, making it an excellent choice for families who love to go on outdoor adventures.
Fuel Economy and MPG
Despite its powerful engine and impressive performance, the Toyota Sienna delivers excellent fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive version of the Sienna gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The addition of the electric motor also means that the Sienna can operate in electric-only mode at low speeds, further improving its fuel economy.
Advanced Features and Options
The Toyota Sienna offers a variety of advanced features and options that make it one of the best vans on the market. Some of the most notable features include:
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Power-sliding side doors and liftgate
- Available AWD system
- Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assist features
- Available JBL premium audio system
- Available built-in vacuum cleaner
The Sienna’s powertrain and performance are similar to those of the Kia Sedona, but the Sienna offers a wider range of features and options, making it the best choice for families who want the best of both worlds.
Step Inside the Toyota Sienna: Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
When you step inside the Toyota Sienna, the first thing you’ll notice is the spacious cabin. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it the perfect choice for families or those who need to carry a lot of gear. The Sienna has three rows of seats, with the second-row seats available in either captain’s chairs or a bench seat, depending on the specific model you choose. The third-row seats can fold flat to create extra cargo space, and the second-row seats can also fold down to create a large, flat load floor.
The Sienna’s interior is modern and stylish, featuring a mixture of soft-touch materials and high-quality plastics. The center console is easy to use, with a large touchscreen display that allows you to control the vehicle’s many features. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of shoulder and legroom for passengers of all sizes.
Cargo Space: Versatile and Plenty of Room
The Toyota Sienna is a popular choice for families and those who need to carry a lot of cargo. It offers plenty of cargo space, with up to 101 cubic feet of space available when the second and third-row seats are folded down. Even with all the seats in place, the Sienna still offers a generous 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
The Sienna also includes several unique features that make it easy to carry all your essentials. For example, the second-row seats can be equipped with a fold-down center table, creating a convenient space for passengers to eat or work. There are also plenty of storage options throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and cupholders.
Safety and Convenience: Standard and Available Features
The Toyota Sienna is an excellent choice for families, and it comes with a wide range of safety and convenience features. Depending on the specific model you choose, you may find features such as:
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense™, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control
- Available all-wheel drive, which provides extra control and performance in all weather conditions
- Available leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the Sienna’s already comfortable cabin
- Available power sliding doors and liftgate, which make it easy to load and unload cargo
- Available rear-seat entertainment system, which keeps passengers entertained on long trips
Overall, the Toyota Sienna is the perfect choice for families or anyone who needs a versatile and spacious vehicle. With its impressive cargo space, comfortable cabin, and modern features, the Sienna takes the ultimate road trip to the next level.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the Toyota Sienna is a great family vehicle with lots of features and room for everyone. It’s perfect for long road trips and short errands, and you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Sienna. So go on, take a look at the new 2019 model and see for yourself! You won’t be disappointed!
Also read: these are the best trash cans for the Toyota Sienna
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
