Toyota Sienna 2023

The Toyota Sienna, which transitioned to an exclusive gas-electric hybrid model in 2020, remains essentially the same for 2023, with the notable addition of the 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim. This limited edition, capped at 2,525 units in the U.S., is a variant of the mid-tier XSE trim and incorporates some luxury features from the higher-tier Limited, along with unique badging and silver accents.

Now in its fourth generation, the Sienna is available in six trims: LE, XLE, XSE, 25th Anniversary, Limited, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $36,720 to $52,940, with delivery fee included. The entry-level LE accommodates eight passengers, while the XLE offers configurations for seven or eight; the remaining trims seat seven. Customers can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive across all trims. The all-wheel-drive system is distinctive, utilizing a rear-mounted electric motor to power the back wheels when needed for enhanced traction.

Under the hood, the Sienna features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. It generates 189 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque on its own and 245 horsepower when combined with the hybrid system. It operates on gas, electric power, or a mix, adapting automatically to the driving scenario. While it may not be the most powerful in its class—trailing behind the non-hybrid Honda Odyssey, the Chrysler Pacifica, and its hybrid version in horsepower—it provides adequate power for city and highway driving.

However, the Sienna’s hybrid system sets it apart. It delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency at 36 mpg for city and highway driving in its FWD versions and 35 mpg in AWD configurations. This efficiency makes it the top fuel-saving minivan in the U.S., surpassing competitors like the Pacifica, Odyssey, and Kia Carnival. While the Pacifica does have a plug-in hybrid version, its hybrid fuel economy only reaches 30 mpg.

At 203.7 inches long, the Sienna is slightly more compact than many of its rivals but still offers competitive headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, with the best third-row legroom in its class. Regarding cargo space, it’s only outdone by the Kia Carnival with the third row in use, but it falls behind others when the second and third rows are folded down.

Regarding safety, the Sienna stands out with top crash test scores and a suite of driver-assist technologies standard across all trims, including adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Additionally, Toyota offers an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid system warranty and a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty, emphasizing Sienna’s reliability and long-term value.

Latest Updates:

Introducing the 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim, an enhanced version of the XSE limited to 2,525 units.

Pros:

• A standard hybrid powertrain optimizes fuel efficiency.
• A comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver-assist features
• User-friendly and straightforward controls

Cons:

• Unique front-end design may not appeal to everyone
• Higher-tier models come with a steep price tag
• Falls short in power compared to rival minivans

Performance: Toyota Sienna

Equipped with a hybrid system, the Sienna features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 189 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, complemented by an electric motor, a 1.9-kWh Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This synergy yields a total output of 245 horsepower. Unlike a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), this traditional hybrid setup is self-sufficient, requiring no external charging.

All-wheel-drive Sienna models benefit from an additional electric motor on the rear axle, which produces 54 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque. This enhances performance during vigorous acceleration and in challenging conditions such as slippery roads or adverse weather.

Comparatively, the Chrysler Pacifica generates 287 horsepower, the Honda Odyssey 280 horsepower, and the Kia Carnival 290 horsepower, all with 262 pound-feet of torque. Although Sienna’s acceleration might not be as swift as its more potent rivals, it offers adequate performance for urban commuting and highway overtaking.

Fuel Economy: Toyota Sienna

The Sienna, exclusively available as a hybrid, boasts an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg in urban, highway, and combined cycles. The all-wheel-drive variant shows a slight dip to 35 mpg in the city and combined, maintaining 36 mpg on highways. Unlike its competitors, it operates on regular gasoline.

The Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival, powered by 3.5-liter or 3.6-liter V6 engines, share a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The Pacifica also provides an all-wheel-drive model rated at 20 mpg combined and a PHEV version with a 30 mpg combined rating, capable of a 32-mile electric-only range. In contrast, the Sienna’s electric range is limited to low-speed, short-distance travel. Overextended usage, the Sienna offers superior overall efficiency without the necessity for frequent recharging.

Safety: Toyota Sienna

The Sienna has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). She is recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey have received similar accolades, the Kia Carnival secures only a Top Safety Pick due to its headlight performance and awaits NHTSA crash-testing results.

Sienna’s comprehensive safety features, standard across all trims, include adaptive cruise control, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assistance, lane-keeping assistance, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Ten airbags cover all seating rows alongside standard frontal, knee, and side airbags, ensuring robust protection for all occupants.

Comfort & Room: Toyota Sienna

The Sienna offers 40.3 inches of front-seat legroom, slightly less than the Pacifica and Carnival’s 41.1 inches. Its 39.9 inches in the second row are competitive, while the 38.7 inches in the third row lead the segment, surpassing the Odyssey’s 38.1 inches and the Carnival’s 35.6 inches. Regarding headroom, the Sienna provides 40.1 inches up front and 39.3 inches in the middle row, aligning with its competitors, though its 37.4 inches in the third row falls slightly short.

The base LE trim features three-zone automatic climate control, upgrading to four-zone in higher trims. Seat upholstery ranges from fabric in the LE to optional heated seats and leather or synthetic leather in upper trims, with all models boasting a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The 25th Anniversary, Limited, and Platinum trims offer second-row seats with extendable ottoman leg rests for additional comfort.

Infotainment: Toyota Sienna

Standard across all Sienna trims is a 9-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (non-wireless), and a three-month SiriusXM satellite radio and Wi-Fi connectivity trial. Audio systems vary from six speakers in the LE to eight in mid-tier trims and a premium JBL 12-speaker setup in the Limited and Platinum. High-end trims also offer an optional rear-seat entertainment system featuring an 11.6-inch screen and two wireless headphones.

The Sienna includes a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, with navigation standard from the XSE trim upwards. A head-up display is an option, becoming standard in the Platinum trim.

Cargo Space & Storage:

With 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, the Sienna leads the Pacifica and Odyssey but falls behind the Carnival’s 40.2 cubic feet. Its 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row are less than its competitors, with the Odyssey offering 89.2 cubic feet. Folding down both rear rows, the Sienna’s cargo space is less than that of the Odyssey, Pacifica, and Carnival, which offer significantly more. The Sienna’s second-row seats provide 25 inches of movement but are not removable, unlike the Pacifica’s stow-and-go feature.

The 2021 redesign introduced a front console with ample storage, a feature distinguishing it from the Odyssey, which maintains a half-console design allowing floor storage.

Design: Toyota Sienna

The Sienna’s design is distinctive. It combines a unique front inspired by the Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train with a large grille and pronounced rear wheel arches, leading to a functional rear design that ensures easy cargo access. The interior exudes modernity and quality, with a layered dashboard, high-grade materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. Limited and Platinum trims enhance the aesthetics with faux-leather dash trim and two-tone interior accents, emphasizing Toyota’s commitment to style and functionality.

Is the 2023 Toyota Sienna worth it?

The 2023 Toyota Sienna’s price spectrum begins at $36,720 for the LE model with front-wheel drive and extends to $52,940 for the Platinum with all-wheel drive, including a $1,335 delivery charge. This pricing structure offers a competitive edge over the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey, while the Kia Carnival, exclusively available in front-wheel drive, is priced between $33,935 and $47,035.

The XSE model, priced at $44,280, is popular for those prioritizing family transportation. It offers hands-free sliding doors, foldable third-row seating, and enhanced audio and navigation systems. For an extra $760, the vehicle can be upgraded to all-wheel drive.

Insurance Costs for the 2023 Toyota Sienna

Insurance expenses for the Toyota Sienna marginally exceed those of its rivals. Data indicates that a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving history might pay an average annual premium of $1,901 across the U.S. This compares to $1,857 for the Chrysler Pacifica and $1,822 for the Honda Odyssey.

Verdict

Marking its prominence in the segment, the Toyota Sienna stands out for its fuel efficiency, attributed to its hybrid engine, delivering 36 mpg in city and highway scenarios. Available in six trims, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition for 2023, the Sienna offers ample cargo space, superior third-row legroom compared to its competitors, and exceptional safety ratings coupled with an array of driver-assist features. While it may not match the power of its competitors, the Sienna offers a pleasing driving experience and competitive pricing. She is one of the most economical options for comfortably transporting 7 to 8 passengers.