The term “minivan” was popularized in the 1980s when the Chrysler Corporation released a pair of models for Dodge and Plymouth. Those vehicles were instrumental in opening a fresh segment of people-mover models, designed mostly with families in mind.
Fast forward to today and the minivan is not what it used to be. Indeed, these models now share their platforms with midsize crossover utility vehicles, far removed from the diminutive vehicles of yesterday. Further, the market has changed, with Chrysler, Honda, Kia, and Toyota being the only manufacturers participating.
Speaking of the latter, we tested a 2025 Toyota Sienna, the only fully dedicated hybrid model in the mix. Notably, the Sienna shares its platform with the Toyota Highlander crossover, delivering a distinct difference with its sliding side doors.
Toyota Sienna Overview
For the current-generation Toyota Sienna, it is offered as a hybrid-only model. Toyota takes a similar approach with other models, including the Prius and Camry. Nearly every Toyota model offers a hybrid, but the Sienna is the first van where a gas-electric drivetrain is standard.
Toyota offers the 2025 Sienna in six grades and 12 configurations with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.
The base model, the Sienna LE FWD Hybrid, starts at $39,185, while the LE AWD Hybrid is priced at $41,185. Moving up, the XLE FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid and XLE FWD 8-Passenger Hybrid are both available for $43,995, with the XLE AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid priced slightly higher at $45,995. The rugged Sienna Woodland Edition AWD Hybrid comes in at $50,425.
Sportier options include the Sienna XSE FWD Hybrid at $46,640 and the XSE AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid at $47,530. For those seeking more luxury, the Limited FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid is offered at $50,200, while the Limited AWD version is priced at $52,200. At the top of the range, the Platinum FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid costs $56,145, with the Platinum AWD variant priced at $56,905. Add $1,495 for the destination charge.
Sienna Styling
Minivans, like the Toyota Sienna, have specific characteristics compared to crossovers. The Sienna is lower to the ground, slightly wider, and features dual-sliding side rear doors for convenient access to the second and third rows.
The doors, of course, are the defining feature for all “mini” vans, and are what keep these models on the market. Quite frankly, there are enough families who simply prefer the design — and it is smart manufacturers who ensure that they have a reason to consider them.
The Toyota does an admirable job of delivering a stylish look with the Sienna. The recognizable smiley Toyota grille dominates the front fascia as it meets the falling hoodline. A recessed windshield maximizes the driver’s forward view. Sweeping lines, a high profile, and fashionable wheels dominate the profile. From the rear, a gigantic liftgate almost overpowers the fascia. Accent lights and sport embellishments complement the look.\
Roomy Interior
The Toyota Sienna seats up to eight, matching the Toyota Grand Highlander in passenger capacity. The best arrangement, in our opinion, is the seven-seat model where the middle-row bench seat is swapped out with captain’s chairs. No, we cannot say those chairs are as comfortable as the front thrones, but they are a vast improvement over the bench seat.
Is there something we don’t like? Yes, the second-row seats cannot be removed. They fold flat, but the ability to remove them as some competitors offer, is something you may miss.
Everything about the interior is geared toward passenger comfort. Most models include heated and ventilated front seats. A heated steering wheel is available. Moreover, an ample number of storage compartments are available – the treasure hunt is on as you explore where Toyota placed them.
The base Sienna offers gray woven fabric-trimmed seats with soft-touch materials covering upper sections of the cabin, and hard plastics underneath the dashboard. However, most trims come with imitation leather seating surfaces trademarked as SofTex. This leatherette material is breathable, therefore it is unusually comfortable. Further up the trim range you will find full leather seats.
Cargo and Towing
The 2025 Toyota Sienna offers versatile cargo capacities to accommodate various passenger and storage needs:
- Behind the third row: 33.5 cubic feet
- Behind the second row: 75.2 cubic feet
- With both rear rows folded: up to 101 cubic feet
If you need to tow, the Toyota Sienna pulls up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival match the Toyota, while the Chrysler Pacifica adds 100 pounds to its capacity over its rivals. However, it should be noted that the Kia Carnival Hybrid pulls only 2,500 pounds or just 1,000 pounds without trailer brakes.
Safety and Technology
The 2025 Toyota Sienna comes equipped with an array of advanced technological features, depending on the chosen grade. These features include:
- Toyota Audio Multimedia System: All models feature the latest system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
- Digital Gauge Cluster: A 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is available on XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims, providing real-time driving data and customizable views.
- Rear-Seat Entertainment: An available rear-seat entertainment system with a fold-down screen keeps passengers engaged on longer journeys
- Convenience Features: The Limited and Platinum trims offer a built-in vacuum and refrigerator, enhancing cabin convenience for families.
Safety remains a priority in the 2025 Sienna, which incorporates several advanced features to protect occupants:
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+: This suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.
- Advanced Rear-Seat Reminder: Utilizing millimeter-wave radar, this system detects movement in the rear seats after the vehicle is turned off, alerting the driver through visual and audible notifications, and can send alerts via the Toyota app.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Standard on all trims, these systems assist in detecting vehicles in blind spots and approaching from the sides when reversing.
- Panoramic View Monitor: Available on higher trims, this feature uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and maneuvering.
On the Road
With a hybrid drivetrain in place, the 2025 Toyota Sienna excels in range and efficiency. Indeed, with its 18-gallon fuel tank and 36 mpg average, that translates to an outstanding 648-mile driving range.
Your fuel economy will vary, depending on such factors as weather conditions, your driving behavior, and payload. This means if you regularly drive with all seats occupied or if you tow, your fuel economy will be less.
For our week, we averaged 34.9 mpg. Most trips were solo and involved almost exclusive highway travel.
While the efficiency was certainly welcome, it should be noted that the Sienna’s engine works hard to motivate this large vehicle. When working in tandem, the engine and hybrid combine to deliver 245 horsepower, but that’s well below what its competitors deliver.
Power routes to the wheels utilizing a continuously variable transmission. The CVT sends power to the front wheels with an electric motor driving the rear wheels in all-wheel-drive models. The latter is the arrangement we had and was particularly effective on wet roads.
Steering is direct and the Sienna handles like a car. It is not an exciting vehicle, but it gets the job done. The trade off in power – at least 40 horsepower less than its rivals – is noticeable. Braking is firm, although squishy. The Sienna is a hybrid and behaves like one.
Toyota Sienna Considerations
We cannot think of a reason to avoid a Sienna, although its starting price of $40,000 pushing upwards near $60,000 is revealing. Even so, the Sienna matches the Highlander and Grand Highlander, and starts out lower than the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica. Only the Kia Carnival is priced for less.
As far as model choices, consider any model but the base trim. We think the imitation leather seats are a comfort difference worth exploring, a feature offered on most grades except for the standard model.
See Also — 12 Toyota Sequoia Attributes (Including 3 Needing Improvement)
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