Toyota Sienna (US) review

What? You don’t recognize the Toyota 'Swagger Wagon' Sienna? That’s fair, considering it’s not particularly wagon-like, apart from the fact that it can feasibly haul a family and a hearty amount of supplies, nor does it appear to have a perceivable amount of swagger to justify the nickname. No, it’s just Toyota’s long-running minivan, now with a handful of updates to make it slightly better than last year’s version.

What’s different about it?

First, let’s quickly start with what’s the same, particularly with the hybrid powertrain. The Sienna continues to rock a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a few electric motors to produce a total of 245hp, run through a CVT gearbox and sent to either the front or all the wheels. All trims offer AWD and those so equipped score an extra motor for the rear axle but the power output remains the same.

To answer the question then: not much. The biggest change Toyota can tout is the radar-based rear seat reminder is standard equipment. That plus the higher trims can now be equipped with a mini-fridge and vacuum. All new Siennas have also been upgraded with the latest version of Toyota’s multimedia setup, which thankfully includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other changes include USB-C chargers making their appearance, and new touchscreens for various trims.

Sounds like a party.

There is little inherent excitement but we reckon there are worse places to idle away a few road hours. Though it’s fairly drab to drive, the ride is at least unobtrusive regardless of where you’re sitting. Easy to clean seats and the optional vacuum also makes it a bit easier to tidy up after shuttling around sloppy monsters of all ages.

Whatever choices led you to start shopping for Toyota’s sole minivan (on Top Gear, no less), know this: There are better alternatives that’ll meet your needs. If we’re staying in minivan territory, the Chrysler Pacifica remains a very strong choice from a zombie brand. It’s loaded with more tech, most of which you’ll actually use, its fit and finish is more upscale than the Toyota’s and it drives surprisingly better than expected.

Where the Toyota might have it beat is the availability of AWD along with the hybrid system. Also, though you get what you pay for, the Pacifica’s not as wallet-friendly as the Sienna. Honda’s Odyssey is another well-rounded choice for anyone dead set on a minivan.

Then of course there’s everything else that’s out there that gets the same job done, if not more. Toyota’s prodigious product line has an embarrassment of utility vehicles that overlap with its sole minivan, minus the sliding doors.

So what are the upsides, if any?

Toyota’s build quality, for sure. For the asking price, you’re getting a minivan that will likely last beyond the childhoods of any kids being raised in it well into their formative years. The standard safety and convenience tech is a plus, and 35mpg isn’t bad, especially if you do have it on the road putting in the miles year after year.

Toyota’s Sienna minivan upholds the conventional perception of its segment, both good and the bad. 'Bad' only in that it plays it safe, sticking to nailing the fundamentals asked from such a vehicle - successfully, we’ll add - but not doing much in terms of excelling in any particular way.

To that end, Toyota’s on track with maintaining what makes the Sienna worth retaining in its lineup: providing cargo space and family-friendly utility while keeping it up to date in terms of tech amenities and safety features, all available for a fair price.

You can also say the Sienna’s got the competition beat in terms of exterior styling, though this segment’s very much a pageant focused on talent far more than outward appearance. Whatever you think of the looks, don’t let them fool you into thinking it’s at all secretly sporty or engaging. The driver’s seat is not the best seat in this house by far.

All told, the Sienna meets its standards but doesn’t do much else to laud it as a recommendation. Whatever 'swagger' this minivan has is wholly dependent on the owner’s desire to airbrush a mural on the side in tribute of their favorite heavy metal band. Now *that* we’d pay money for, Toyota.