2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Toyota Sienna was available in several trim levels, including LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a distinctive look. Despite the absence of the "swagger wagon" commercials, the Sienna maintained its stylish vibe with sleek front and rear fascias and a variety of cool color options like deep blue, red, or green. LED lighting was standard, with upper trims featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, known for its sporty appearance, included a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition, available in exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic colors, was designed for off-road readiness with roof rails, a tow hitch, and slightly increased ground clearance. The interior of the Sienna offered cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight passengers, with the XSE trim providing additional luxury features like leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats and a leather-trimmed power steering wheel with ADAS controls. The horizontal design lines added a sense of spaciousness, and the fixed center console featured satin accents, cup holders, and a shifter within easy reach. While not luxurious, the interior was practical for families, with upper trims offering a built-in vacuum cleaner.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while maintaining the traditional minivan shape, attempted to enhance its style with a trapezoidal grille, upswept body lines, hidden sliding door tracks, and swollen rear fenders. The narrow taillights with sharp corner spears added a family resemblance to the Camry sedan. The Platinum trim level introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna still resembled a minivan, prioritizing practicality over fashion. The top-of-the-line Platinum model, available in the new Magnetic Gray paint color, included features like an extended connected services subscription, all-weather floor mats, a digital rearview mirror, and more. Toyota updated the interior for 2025, with the Platinum trim featuring a new woodgrain finish, although opinions on its appearance varied. The interior improvements were generally well-received by adult professionals, despite some criticism from younger passengers.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. All-wheel drive models included an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna offered a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode button, it lacked the performance excitement found in some competitors. The minivan felt sluggish off the line, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a less engaging driving experience. Acceleration was smooth but slow, particularly when merging onto highways or climbing mountain passes. The CVT could become noisy, and the brakes were occasionally grabby. However, the Sienna provided a pleasant driving experience around town, with excellent visibility and light, accurate steering. The minivan offered Normal, Eco, and EV modes for different driving conditions, but those seeking more driving pleasure might consider alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica, which offered stronger V6 powerplants.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna continued with the hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT. The front-wheel drive was standard, with an available all-wheel-drive system that included a rear-mounted electric motor. The net horsepower remained at 245, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing up to 3,500 pounds. However, the electric assist motor(s) provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. In city driving, the powertrain was unobtrusive, and the minivan was quiet on the highway. Hard acceleration revealed the CVT's droning sound. The hybrid powertrain prioritized fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving for the FWD model. However, during testing, the Sienna averaged 26.3 mpg with two occupants. The Sienna's handling was predictable and secure, with little body roll, but it lacked excitement. The steering was not crisp or communicative, and the handling became squishy in curves. The brakes experienced temporary fade during a mountain descent. The Sienna XSE offered a sportier look and sport-tuned suspension, but expectations for driving enjoyment should be tempered. The standard suspension provided a smooth, absorbent ride with excellent impact isolation, and the minivan was impressively quiet on the highway when the CVT wasn't droning.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, though some seating features were tricky to master. The front offered a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items, four cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox with an available wireless charging pad. Both side doors were powered, and second-row passengers could close them using the interior handle or a button on the B-pillar. The second-row captain's chairs could slide fore and aft 25 inches, providing up to 40 inches of legroom. Upper trims included an ottoman for added comfort. However, the slide function was complicated, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space compared to other minivans. The second row featured cup holders and a net pocket, while window shades protected passengers from the sun. The third row was accessible for adults and offered 39 inches of legroom when the second row was pushed forward. The third-row seats tilted for comfort, and window shades and cup holders were available. The Sienna included tri-zone climate control, with the XSE trim adding a fourth zone for the front passenger. The rear liftgate could be activated with a kick motion, revealing 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The third row could be stowed easily, providing 75 cubic feet of space, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered unique seating and cargo solutions. The front chairs were power adjustable, heated, ventilated, and wrapped in perforated leather, though the cushions felt hard after extended driving. The Platinum's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the refrigerated compartment on the back of the center console was appreciated. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and loading and unloading passengers was easy, even in tight parking spaces. All but LE models featured a hands-free power liftgate. Storage space was generous, with a wide tray under the center console, though finding secure places for large water bottles was challenging. The dashboard tray's black plastic lining struggled to hold items in place during turns. Behind the third-row seat, the Sienna offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with the third-row seats stowed providing 75.2 cubic feet. Maximum cargo capacity was 101 cubic feet, less than rivals due to the inability to remove the second-row seats. Toyota's research suggested most owners didn't maximize space by removing seats, but those needing maximum load space might find the Sienna lacking.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured older infotainment technology, including a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the newer system offered better graphics and features, the inclusion of physical buttons for common menus was appreciated. The backup camera's grainy view was disappointing for a 2024 model. Analog gauges were complemented by a 7-inch digital display with information like speed and fuel economy. A standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system were available. The rear-camera mirror, streaming a wide-angle video feed, was optional. Most trims included in-dash navigation, though many users preferred Google Maps. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available for the second row and rear cargo area. The outlets required activation via a button near the driver's seat. Optional features included an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system. The Platinum test vehicle included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display (HUD), and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. An Entertainment Package added an 11.6-inch display, HDMI input, remote, and wireless headphones. The TAM system offered access to five connected services plans with varying complimentary subscription periods. Wi-Fi Connect had a 30-day/3 GB trial, while Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for up to 10 years. Drive Connect and Remote Connect had one-year trials on selected trims. The TAM system's digital assistant, part of the Drive Connect plan, responded accurately to commands. The system required Apple or Amazon Music account login for specific music requests. If the Drive Connect subscription lapsed, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto could replace the native navigation system and digital assistant. The Sienna Platinum's infotainment system paired with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though excessive bass and muddiness were noted. The four-zone climate control system was appreciated, and the digital rearview camera offered zoom capabilities. The see-through surround-view camera and HUD were helpful, though blind-spot warnings in the HUD would be beneficial.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver aids, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Most systems performed well, with adaptive cruise control reducing commuting stress. However, lane-keeping assist caused some side-to-side movement. The function was easily toggled via a steering wheel button. The Sienna featured side curtain airbags for all three rows, rear passenger seat belt reminders, and a reminder to check the second and third rows for occupants or cargo. The 2024 Sienna received a four-star frontal crash and rollover protection rating and a five-star side crash protection rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating for crashworthiness and seat belt and child restraint systems, but an "Average" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna retained Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, despite many models adopting TSS 3.0. TSS 2.0 offered a less intrusive experience, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The lane-centering assist performed well, though it wavered in some situations. The Sienna responded quickly to lane change signals, accelerating to the set speed. During sudden traffic braking events, human intervention was required to avoid collisions. The 2025 model introduced a rear-seat reminder system, detecting cabin movement and issuing warnings, culminating in a smartphone alert and phone call. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact. No minivans earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.