The new 2023 Toyota Sienna Review and Specifications

Overview

The 2023 Toyota Sienna’s brawny-for-a-minivan exterior design is an attempt at SUV cosplay, but even a casual glance in its direction reveals it for the minivan that it is. Fine by us. We like the way this minivan behaves on the road, with a quiet cabin and a refined ride. Besides the obvious practicality benefits that come with any minivan, the Sienna’s interior is spacious and nicely equipped—although its second-row seats aren’t removable or stowable as they are in other vans.

The fourth generation Sienna is only available as a hybrid, which wasn't very powerful in our tests. Although the fuel efficiency is quite good at 36 mpg combined, we still prefer other minivans such as the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival.

What's New for 2023?

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the nameplate, Toyota is releasing a limited-edition version Sienna: only 2,525 will be built. All of them will be based on the sporty XSE trim and will have either Celestial Silver or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint.

As soon as you lay eyes on the 20-inch wheels, roof rails, black exterior badging, and exterior mirrors with integrated puddle lights, you'll know this car is different. And that's before you even step inside to see the black leather upholstery with silver stitching, JBL stereo system, wireless smartphone charging pad

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Toyota's family van, the Sienna, is only offered as a hybrid in its latest version. The powertrain comprises of a 2.5-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce 245 horsepower combined. All wheel drive is an option that comes with adding a third electric motor in the back to drive the rear wheels.

Though the Sienna's only real rival--the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid--is offered with front-wheel drive, it still falls short. The V-6 engine and electric motors make a combined 260 horsepower for the Pacifica Hybrid, but our all-wheel drive Sienna Platinum failed to achieve satisfactory acceleration results during testing. In fact, it took 7.7 seconds just to reach 60 mph and completed the quarter mile in 15.8seconds at a measly 88mph; these numbers are comparable top what the non-hybrid examples of Honda Odyssey managed .

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency reports that the Sienna should average 36 miles per gallon (MPG) in city driving and highway, with all-wheel drive lowering those estimates by 1 MPG. Our team drove an all-wheel drive Platinum model and saw 29 MPG mixed between city and highway driving; we will update this story once our 75-mile fuel economy test is completed on the new Sienna. More information about a vehicle's EPA estimated fuel economy can be found on their official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Toyota has given the Sienna a daring exterior redesign to go along with its modern and stylish interior. Rather than the open cockpit design of the previous generation model, Toyota has created a tall center console that spans the distance from the dashboard to the center armrest, with a large storage cubby underneath. Upscale Limited and Platinum models have two-tone interior trim and dashboards covered in stitched leather-like material while the sporty XSE model gets black-and-white faux=leather seats contrasts red stitching for visual pop.

Unlike the Odyssey and the Pacifica Hybrid, the Sienna's second row seats are not removable. However, optional second-row captain's chairs come with a feature that allows them to slide forward up to 25 inches or back to create more legroom for rear-seat riders. You can also choose between Limited and Platinum models which offer reclining second-row seats with pop-up ottomans. Both trims also have an option for an onboard vacuum cleaner.

 

Are Sienna vans reliable?

The Toyota Sienna Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $554 which means it has lower than average ownership costs.

Is Sienna better than Odyssey?

While they have a similar shape that carries through to other similarities under the skin, there are significant differences between these two. The Sienna offers all-wheel drive, and the Odyssey does not. But the Odyssey has other advantages, including a nicer interior and a more refined powertrain.

Is the Toyota Sienna a good minivan?

The 2022 Toyota Sienna is a good minivan overall. The Sienna has a spacious and upscale cabin with seating for up to eight occupants. It's comfortable and reasonably agile to drive, and its hybrid powertrain returns excellent fuel economy of up to 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving.