2025 Toyota Sienna Review: Our Family of Five Preferred This Over Our Large SUV

      Caleb Jacobs

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      In many ways, my family fits the typical American mold. My wife and I have three children, two of whom require car seats. Our family size is simply too large to be accommodated by a crossover that has a tiny third row where the trunk usually is. Therefore, we have two choices: a full-size, body-on-frame SUV or a minivan. Embracing the classic American choice, we opted for the SUV, but after a week with the 2025 Toyota Sienna, I began to reconsider our decision because it truly impressed me.

      There are certainly valid reasons to choose an SUV, and I still believe we made a wise decision, but the Sienna’s many features make switching increasingly appealing. When a van can conquer steep Ozark hills effortlessly, thanks to its hybrid all-wheel drive, and still achieve 33 miles per gallon, one begins to question why you would sacrifice efficiency for power. Additionally, when all three kids are content with ample space to spare and parking remains uncomplicated, you might start to wonder if a bulky daily driver is even necessary. The answer remains “yes” if you ever need to tow, but for many people—including numerous parents reluctant to drive a Sienna or a similar vehicle—something like this could be an excellent fit.

      And I can almost guarantee the kids will enjoy it even more.

      Caleb Jacobs

      The Essentials

      With the Sienna, Toyota offers one of only six new minivan models available in the United States (and two of those are nearly identical Chrysler models). Anyone considering buying a family vehicle will likely look at one, and the Sienna name has been familiar since its debut in 1998. The current generation launched in 2020.

      The design has mostly remained unchanged since then. Personally, I’m okay with that, as it still looks quite modern without heavily relying on trendy themes like pixelation. My test vehicle was painted in Ruby Flare Pearl, a rich red that quickly became covered in mud and dust due to nearly constant rain during my week with it.

      Caleb Jacobs

      Inclement weather actually provided excellent testing conditions, particularly for the interior. This is undoubtedly the Sienna’s strong suit, especially the Platinum model I was given, which was loaded with various gadgets. I’m talking about a cool box in the center console that rivals a regular fridge, a flip-down screen for streaming the kids’ favorite shows, numerous power outlets, and even a vacuum. Crumpled leaves didn’t stand a chance against this minivan.

      Every new Sienna features a hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eCVT. This powertrain produces a combined 245 horsepower, aided by two electric motors. All-wheel drive is an option, but front-wheel drive is standard across all trims save for the Woodland and Platinum models.

      Driving the 2025 Toyota Sienna

      Before heading out in the Sienna, I took a thorough look at the interior and immediately noticed all the gadgets I’d mentioned. It even has extendable leg rests, transforming the rear seats into recliners—something our 2019 Ford Expedition lacks.

      The Sienna boasts an abundance of cupholders compared to our potential family vehicle, totaling 16. The center console is exceptionally spacious, with two USB-C ports tucked inside, and I discovered a clever storage area between the driver and passenger footwells large enough to hold four takeout boxes. Practicality was factored into every element of this vehicle, making it almost a dream for those who frequently transport enough belongings to fill a spare room.

      This all means that the Sienna had a strong advantage before I even shifted into “drive.”

      Caleb Jacobs

      As soon as you depart my house and head north, there’s a substantial hill that serves as a reliable test for any vehicle's acceleration. I didn’t have high expectations for the humble van, but it unexpectedly accelerated well when the pedal was pressed about 75% down, even on the steep incline. It also did so quietly, which alleviated my initial concerns. Naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines paired with gearless transmissions generally need to rev high to tackle such inclines, but the electric motors provided ample torque to propel it smoothly.

      There’s much to appreciate about the Sienna’s hybrid system. It employs regenerative braking when you release the throttle, though it's not overly noticeable, and it helps maintain the battery’s charge. It also glides silently through parking lots and drive-thrus, which is beneficial since I can hardly hear anyone speaking through those small speakers. However, one complaint is that the engine frequently shuts off and restarts while parked. I understand it needs to run to power accessories and keep the battery charged, but I’d prefer it to operate continuously rather than cycling on and off repeatedly.

      Caleb Jacobs

      Driving the Sienna for