When we review minivans, we want to make sure which one makes sense for the families that use them. Out of the five that are sold in the U.S.A. today, the general consensus have been pointing to the Toyota Sienna.
The 2025 Sienna has its advantages from an overall cost perspective. It is a hybrid. Therefore, it gets better fuel economy than its gas-fed competitors. It does not need to be plugged in to fill up the battery. And, it has a reputation for quality and reliability that Toyota is known for.
No matter how you use it, is the 2025 Toyota Sienna a good choice in this segment?
Introduced a few years ago, this current generation model still carries a design that is distinctively Toyota. It is also quite stylish among minivans, as well. The front end has a huge lower grille integrated into the bumper, while a black trim piece bridge the headlamp units with the Toyota badge. The silhouette is less boxy and more entertaining, especially with a SUV-like side glass profile. The taillight units are horizontal and help frame the rear end.
Our Platinum tester shines with some additional chrome trim, including the roof rails. A set of 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels finish up the Sienna’s overall look.
Inside the Sienna, the instrument panel features a shelf that runs from the center stack to the passenger door. A suspended console houses an interesting shifter, along with storage underneath. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on our Platinum tester is augmented by a 10-inch head-up display providing a lot of information for the driver Also, there is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment module crowning the center stack.
The leather-wrapped front seats in this Platinum tester were large and comfortable, providing some support for longer drives. The second-row captain chairs were equally comfortable and can be heated during the winter. These seats include a retractable footrest, a long rake, and a recline feature to create a private jet-like experience. There is ample room in the third row for two adults or three children.
Rearmost passengers can watch their favorite movies on an 11.6-inch high-definition entertainment screen that drops from the ceiling. There were two wireless headphones and a remote control that also came with this screen. They also get a small refrigerator located at the end of the center console. To clean things up, there is an on-board vacuum available.
For cargo space, it starts off with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The third-row seats fold down for a flat loading space from the bumper, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet to the second row. With all of the second- and third-row seats folded, you have a total of 101.0 cubic feet of usable cargo space.
The standard hybrid driveline combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, three permanent magnetic synchronous electric motors and a small Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery pack. In all, this system puts out 245 net combined horsepower. A continuously variable transmission sends power to all four wheels on our tester. The all-wheel drive system is available on all Sienna trim levels.
Performance and acceleration poised no problems for us. It cruises quite smoothly and comfortably. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 34.7 MPG.
The ride quality is very smooth. Rougher roads were no problem as the Sienna absorbed the ruts and cracks along the way. Under evasive maneuvers, it does react well with some roll. Yet, the Sienna felt very composed through the turns overall.
The steering system is very good on the 2025 Sienna, yielding solid turns everywhere. The on-center feel was fine. The brakes felt solid and responsive. Pedal feel was improved with a more solid feeling. We experienced good stops in normal and panic situations.
There are six trim levels available on the 2025 Toyota Sienna. Pricing starts at $39,485. Our Platinum AWD tester came with a sticker price of $61,749.
The Sienna comes into the minivan/MPV market with a hybrid-only driveline. It still attracts competitors to this segment, including the Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
It’s tough to say which minivan is the best among the five. The 2025 Toyota Sienna offers balance, honest value and efficiency, in a versatile package that really can’t be beat.
