Contents
Overview
Although the 2023 Toyota Sienna’s exterior design might trick you into thinking it’s an SUV, it’s really just a minivan in disguise. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We appreciate how this minivan drives, with its peaceful cabin and composed ride quality. In addition to the practical benefits that all minivans offer, the Sienna also boasts a spacious interior complete with plenty of amenities—though its second-row seats can’t be removed or stowed like those in some other vans.
The fourth generation Sienna only comes as a hybrid, and both the front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants have the same 245 hp rating. However, this isn’t too great since we’ve tested it before. The good news is that the Sienna’s fuel efficiency is much better than other minivans on the market at 36 mpg combined. But we would still prefer to be driving the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, or Kia Carnival over this one.
What’s New for 2023?
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Sienna nameplate, Toyota is releasing a limited-edition model: only 2,525 25th Anniversary Edition Siennas will be built. All of them will have sporty XSE trim and come in either Celestial Silver or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint colors.
To easily identify the special model, look for visual clues like 20-inch wheels, roof rails, black exterior badging, and exterior mirrors with integrated puddle lights. The interior includes black leather upholstery with silver stitching, a JBL stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated and ventilated front seats. You’ll also find carpeted floormats bearing the 25th Anniversary logo throughout the inside of this vehicle.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Toyota’s van, the Sienna, is only offered as a hybrid in its latest version. The powertrain comprises of a 2.5-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine to produce 245 horsepower. All-wheel drive is an available option that incorporates a third electric motor in the back driving the rear wheels.
Out of the Sienna’s main competitors, only front-wheel drive is offered for the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Although it’s V-6 engine and electric motors make 260 horsepower, we were unenthused by its accelerating speed during our test run; requiring 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph and then completing the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 88 miles per hour–which are similar to what the Pacifica Hybrid managed overall but far slower than non-hybrid examples of Honda Odyssey that we’ve tested in addition to the Pacifica Hybrids..
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA’s website states that the Sienna should get excellent fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. However, we found that our all-wheel drive Platinum test vehicle only managed 29 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. We hope to see better results when we put the new Sienna through our 75-mile highway fuel economy test. Stay tuned for updates!
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sienna’s exterior redesign is complemented by its modern and stylish interior. Toyota has created a tall center console that spans the distance from the dashboard to the center armrest, with a large storage cubby underneath, rather than the open cockpit design of the previous generation model.
Interior trim for the Limited and Platinum models come in two tones, with stitched leather-like material covering the dashboards. The XSE model seat upholstery is black and white faux Leather with red contrast stitching. Unlike Odyssey and Pacifica Hybrid next rows seats, Sienna’s are not removable; however its optional second row captain chairs have a 25 inch forward-and beast capability to provide maximum legroom or open as much room as possible aft of the second raw for cargo.
What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Toyota Sienna?
The 2023 Sienna 25th Anniversary Edition borrows bolder bumpers, black ORVM caps, 20-inch five-spoke wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension from the XSE grade. Plus, it has roof rails, JBL audio system, navigation, wireless charging, and a 1500-watt converter from the XSE Plus package.
Will the 2023 Sienna have removable second row seats?
Unlike the Odyssey and the Pacifica Hybrid, the Sienna’s second row seats are not removable; however, the optional second-row captain’s chairs can slide forward-and-back a total of 25 inches to help provide maximum legroom for rear-seat riders or to open as much room as possible aft of the second row for cargo.
Will there be a 2023 Sienna?
The 2023 Toyota Sienna starts at $35,385. The mid-range XLE trim starts at $40,695 for either the 7-seat or 8-seat model. The XSE trim starts at $42,945, the Woodland Special Edition begins at $46,195, and the 25th Anniversary Special Edition starts at $46,670.
What is the number 1 minivan?
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is the top choice in minivans, with streamlined styling, poised handling and features you can’t get elsewhere.
