2025 Toyota Sienna Quick Review: The Last Honest Minivan

For decades, minivans have been the butt of every car enthusiast’s joke. A colorless utilitarian segment where the automotive dream died. But a few years ago, something strange happened. Minivans are actually kind of cool and not too bad to drive, but objectively speaking, we don’t think these vehicles are better than three-row SUVs when it comes to hauling a lot of people and cargo. reminds me. I don’t think many families have ditched their Durango Hellcat for a Pacifica Hybrid, but this change in perception may help minivans shed some of the stigma that would-be owners have “given up” on an inherently interesting vehicle. It’s done.

In contrast, the fourth-generation Toyota Sienna doesn’t really try to capitalize on this trend. Introduced in 2021 and lightly refreshed for the 2025 model year, the Sienna celebrates its minivan-ness with a firm focus on moving people and cargo in comfort, efficiency, and safety.

Sure, there are styling updates. For example, XSE models have new black inlays above the headlights, and Toyota says its unique honeycomb grille helps enhance the model’s “sporty” feel. But even in this racy Ruby Flare Pearl shade, Sienna feels pretty anonymous in rush hour traffic. And I have no problem with that. If you’re buying a minivan to get noticed, you’re doing it wrong.

The hybrid powertrain that comes standard on every Sienna betrays this theme. Thanks to the continuously variable transmission (CVT), any sporting intent is completely ignored, making every attempt at acceleration feel like a tense, unfinished sentence. But it also helps the Sienna achieve impressive fuel economy numbers of 36 mpg in both city and highway driving in front-wheel-drive form. (If you select e-AWD, Toyota estimates a slightly less efficient 35 mpg combined.) And when the hybrid system asks the four-cylinder engine to participate in the process, the handoff is virtually seamless. , at the highest possible level of sophistication. Vehicles that cost three times as much don’t have hybrid systems.

While the Sienna is mechanically unchanged for 2025, what has been refreshed is the technology that families use on a daily basis, and I would argue that is more important here. Updates like standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims are welcome news for potential buyers, and we say the feature worked flawlessly during our limited time in the Sienna. You can report it. The new wireless charger similarly boasts faster charging speeds and a higher “boundary” that helps prevent devices from slipping or coming off the pad’s sweet spot.

Also new for 2025 is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This is nearly identical to the new Land Cruiser’s optional 12.3-inch display. Although it’s not as feature-rich as the current generation BMW iDrive or Stellantis Uconnect systems, the graphics are crisp and respond quickly to inputs, and screen mirroring activates effortlessly. To be honest, you’ll end up using the system 98% of the time.

A new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard on XSE trims and above, and these two large screens go a long way toward making the Sienna’s cabin feel more contemporary. The 2025 model year also introduces Toyota’s new rear seat reminder system. The system uses a 60GHz radar sensor mounted on the vehicle’s headliner to scan and detect objects moving around in the back seat.

If you forget you have a pet, small child, or incredibly obedient friend, the alert can escalate from a faint chime or horn to a text message or phone call if the system deems it necessary. (and connect your subscription if you have Toyota safety equipment). We weren’t given a chance to test this feature, so we’ll have to take Toyota’s word for it, but it looks like this could be a literal lifesaver in extreme situations.

Also on the 2025 menu are an integrated vacuum cleaner mounted in the center console but reaching all the way to the third row, and a “FridgeBox” that can keep items cold or frozen depending on the settings you choose. Included. These two features are standard on the top-of-the-line Platinum model and optional on the Limited.

While these updates probably won’t increase anyone’s sexual appeal, they do address the real-world needs of minivan owners in very thoughtful and practical ways, which actually speaks to the larger concept throughout. Masu. The 2025 Toyota Sienna does not disappoint. It’s about accepting them.

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