2023 Toyota Sienna

　　

2023 Toyota Sienna Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersSenior Manager, Vehicle Testing Operations

　　Mike Schmidt has worked in the automotive industry since 2003. He has written nearly a thousand car-related articles and has been responsible for the upkeep of countless test fleet vehicles over the course of his career. Mike is a senior manager of vehicle testing operations at zzdcar and got his start working behind the scenes on the car manufacturer side of the business. Mike spent many a weekend working on the family car with his dad and was promoted from flashlight holder to tool gopher at a young age. He's had an appreciation of cars ever since.

　　The Toyota Sienna minivan has been around for decades, but the current model debuted just a couple of years ago. There's a lot to like with this latest Sienna. It's actually a hybrid, and that means it gets better fuel economy than most rival minivans. The EPA estimates that the Sienna gets 36 mpg in combined driving, versus 26 mpg combined for the Honda Odyssey. On top of that you get the typical Sienna advantages such as seating for up to eight passengers and available all-wheel drive. It won't get you as many places as an SUV, but the Sienna offers as much space and cargo room as all but the largest of those.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Sienna LE 8-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$106/mo  for Sienna LE 8-Passenger

　　Sienna LE 8-Passenger

　　LE 8-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $36,135 MSRPLE 8-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $38,135 MSRPXLE 8-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $41,445 MSRPXLE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $41,445 MSRPXLE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $43,445 MSRPXSE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $43,695 MSRPXSE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $44,455 MSRPXLE Woodland Edition 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $46,945 MSRP25th Anniversary Special Edition 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,420 MSRP25th Anniversary Special Edition 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $48,180 MSRPLimited 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $48,395 MSRPLimited 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $50,395 MSRPPlatinum 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $51,595 MSRPPlatinum 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $52,355 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Compact Minivan

　　There aren't any significant updates for the core Sienna lineup, but the 2023 Sienna does introduce a new version to celebrate the nameplate's 25th anniversary. Aptly named the 25th Anniversary Edition, this Sienna combines the sportier styling of the XSE trim level with the Limited's fully stocked feature set. It also has special badging and floor mats specific to the 25th Anniversary Edition. Only 2,525 will be produced and come exclusively with white or silver exterior paint. 

　　There aren't many minivans on the market anymore, but those that are still around are pretty competitive. You might check out the Honda Odyssey, which is quicker and more enjoyable to drive than the Sienna, or the Chrysler Pacifica, which is unique for the class by offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers an EPA-estimated 32 miles of all-electric driving range, plenty for running around town during the day. The Kia Carnival is another newer segment entry and offers exceptional value for money. Is the Sienna the best for you? Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full rundown of its biggest advantages and drawbacks.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Sienna drive? The Sienna's hybrid-only powertrain means it's ultra smooth to accelerate but also a lot slower than its peers, taking an extra second to reach 60 mph compared to most other vans (including the outgoing Sienna with a V6). This slower acceleration isn't evident when you're just cruising around town. But you'll notice it when you're merging onto the highway or going up grades.

　　The Sienna isn't the most nimble minivan in the class, but it holds its own. It drives more like a car than an SUV. The steering is weighted well to cruise for hours down the highway. It's also light and easy to turn during low-speed maneuvers.

　　Emergency braking performance is OK, but the bigger deal is the pedal's sometimes awkward grabby feel. That can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sienna? We had no complaints after spending hours in the driver's seat. Its wide range of adjustability gets much of the credit, though this is a common feature in the class. Optional ottoman-style footrests in the second row plus a huge range of fore-aft sliding create a business-class-like feel and give the Sienna an edge in second-row comfort. Optional four-zone climate control is one more zone than competitors have (three-zone is standard) and it's effective at keeping the cabin cozy, hot or cold.

　　Noise is an area of concern. So long as the engine isn't working hard, the cabin is quiet, even serene. When you ask for power, the whole cabin will know. The engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) drone considerably. Optional in-car voice projection, which sends front passenger voices through the rear speakers and headsets, helps as a work-around. You can save the shouting for when you really need it.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below