In the minivan world, the 2021 Toyota Sienna is a very big deal. For starters, there aren’t a lot of minivan models any more – four in fact – so any completely redesigned version is noteworthy. Yet, this is also the first all-new Sienna in 10 years; a much lengthier gap between generations than usual, and one that resulted in its predecessor getting awfully long in the tooth despite consistent updates. A new Sienna has therefore been overdue, but Toyota at least used the extra years to develop a van that moves the ball far downfield.
What’s under a minivan’s hood rarely makes headlines, but in this case, it does. Every 2021 Sienna is a hybrid, foregoing the usual V6 and its low-20s-mpg fuel economy in favor of Toyota’s familiar gasoline-electric powertrain that returns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. Sure, it’s not quite as quick as those V6-powered vans, but we’re not sure how much minivan buyers will care about that. The Chrysler Pacifica is the only other minivan available as a hybrid, but that’s a plug-in hybrid model that provides some all-electric range and carries a higher initial price tag.
Other upgrades include a bolder exterior and an interior that’s remarkably high-style for a minivan. Functionally, Toyota has lengthened second-row seat travel, providing extra cargo versatility and unmatched, sprawl-out legroom. In-car tech is upgraded with Toyota’s latest touchscreen infotainment system and driver assistance features. And in terms of innovative, family-oriented gadgets, the Sienna will be the only minivan offered with a small built-in refrigerator, while it will join the Honda Odyssey in offering an in-car vacuum and a PA system that transmits the driver’s voice to the back seats. Unfortunately, both the fridge and vacuum have been delayed due to pandemic-related supplier delays.
In short, the 2021 Sienna is a bold update for a model that needed one. Its exceptional fuel economy and versatile second-row seat are probably its main selling points over its competition, but in every other respect it’s fully competitive. In fact, we consider it one of our two top-recommended minivans along with the Pacifica Hybrid (although the Toyota did ultimately win our Sienna vs Pacifica Hybrid comparison test). With so few competitors, though, there’s no reason to not check them all out.
What’s new for 2021?
The Sienna is all-new for 2021.
What’s the Sienna interior and in-car technology like?
The Sienna’s front cabin is shockingly high style for a minivan – and here we thought the Pacifica’s was a bold stylistic departure. You can see each of the trim levels above. Controls are canted every-so-slightly toward the driver, while the high center console provides more of a car- or SUV-like feel. Nevertheless, that console is really just a bridge over a vast open canyon ripe for whatever you want to put down there (likely a purse). There are a number of other handy places up front to stow things, as well. That includes the available refrigerator (below, bottom left) and the wide, smartphone-holding tray (below, bottom right) that slices across the dashboard. Unfortunately, we found the little nubs used to hold your phone on that tray aren’t quite up to the job.
The standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display is easily seen and reached, and bordered by a number of physical buttons and knobs. It’s hard to beat the slick functionality of the Pacifica’s UConnect system, or the customizable menus in the Odyssey, but we didn’t have to deal with any of the major glitches or lagginess we’ve experienced in other Toyota infotainment systems.
How big is the Sienna?
The Sienna is comparable in size to the other minivans. We didn’t find it any more maneuverable or less cumbersome to drive in tight places, and it offers the same sort of vast cargo space behind its third-row seat. Now, its specs indicate far less cargo space when the third row is lowered as well as when the second-row seats are removed, but we suspect this is due to a difference in the way Toyota measures cargo capacity. In reality, we think it’s effectively similar.
Really, minivans differ in terms of their second-row seating concepts. The Sienna offers a choice of two. The eight-passenger model is probably better suited to parents with smaller kids since it comes with a removable second-row middle seat that you can affix a child seat to while keeping the outboard seats open. The seven-passenger setup found on upper trim levels features the new “Super Long Slide” second-row captain’s chairs, which slide further than its competitors by a considerable amount. Slid to the rear, they provide enough legroom for NBA forwards to kick back and relax. They also slide forward all the way to the front seats, making it more likely to fit whatever you need inside without moving the seats (while being more comfortable than the Chrysler Pacifica’s Stow ‘N Go seats). A second lever folds the seat cushion up and the seatback forward to either provide an easy ingress into the third row, or to maximize cargo volume even further.
There are certainly advantages to Stow ‘N Go (for those who prioritize cargo-carrying versatility) and Honda’s “Magic Slide” second-row (for those with multiple small children), so there isn’t a right or wrong answer here. Choice is good. In this case, we think the Sienna’s concept is best suited for families with older kids.
What are the Sienna fuel economy and performance specs?
Every 2021 Toyota Sienna is a hybrid. There’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, plus a third added to create the available all-wheel-drive system. Its battery recoups energy from the brakes and engine (it’s not a plug-in hybrid like the available Pacifica Hybrid, which has all-electric range and a higher price). Total system output is 245 horsepower, which is less than its V6-powered competitors.
Fuel economy is much better, though. Toyota estimates the Sienna will get 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive in EPA testing and 35 mpg combined with AWD. The old Sienna got 21 and 20 mpg combined, respectively. The Odyssey and V6-powered Pacifica get 22 mpg combined. That’s a difference that should save you hundreds of dollars on gas every year. That said, we only managed 30 mpg in about 140 miles of mixed driving, so your mileage may certainly vary even if it’ll almost always be superior for a minivan.
What’s the Sienna like to drive?
The new hybrid-only Sienna certainly won’t be the top choice for lead-footed minivan drivers, but that’s a minority, if possibly an oxymoron. For everyone else, the new model actually weighs less than before, slightly mitigating the power loss, while the instantaneous nature of the electric torque make it feel quick off the line. You do have to live with droning from the CVT, though, especially when accelerating onto the highway.
Otherwise, the drive is smooth and mostly quiet with shockingly responsive handling. When not accelerating, the engine makes little sound. Noise from the wind and road are mostly filtered out before intruding into the cabin. The suspension is taut enough to provide good support for the Sienna’s long, bulky body, but not punishing over the craggy roads of southeast Michigan and northwest Oregon where we drove the Sienna. It’s actually now the most engaging minivan to drive. This is in contrast to most versions of the old Sienna, which could be rather floaty. We used to suggest buyers go for the more controlled Sienna SE trim level, and although the similarly “sporty” new XSE trim does sharpen the Sienna, it’s certainly not a must-buy for those who prefer a more composed or engaging drive.
What other Toyota Sienna reviews and videos have been featured on Autoblog?
2021 Toyota Sienna XSE First Drive | It’s the “sporty” one
The XSE features unique styling along with suspension and steering differences that result in a different, sharper driving experience. Unlike the last Sienna, we don’t think getting this “sportier” version is a must for those who prefer a more responsive driving drive, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Comparison Test
We test our top two-recommended minivans in this full comparison test. It comes down to one point out of a possible 230. (Spoiler Alert: the Sienna wins)
2021 Toyota Sienna First Drive | Functional efficiency with style
Our first review of the Sienna, covering in more detail its changes and new features.
2021 Toyota Sienna Interior Storage Review
We go full James Cameron in this deep dive into the Sienna’s interior storage, filling all 18(!) cupholders and its multitude of bins.
2021 Toyota Sienna Super Long Slide Seats Demonstration Video
Senior editor John Beltz Snyder shows you how the new Super Long Slide Seats work.
2021 Toyota Sienna Interior Storage Review Video
Senior editor John Beltz Snyder takes you inside the new Sienna Platinum AWD, showing off all the various places to stow your stuff.
2021 Toyota Sienna Cargo Area Video
Senior editor John Beltz Snyder shows off the Sienna’s cargo area.
How much is the 2021 Toyota Sienna price and what features are available?
The 2021 Sienna has a starting price of $35,635, including $1,175 in destination fees, for the LE FWD. The Sienna LE AWD starts at $37,635. The XLE FWD comes in seven- or eight-passenger configurations at $40,925, or a seven-passenger AWD version starting at $42,925. The sportier XSE costs $43,175 for FWD, or $42,925 with AWD. Limited FWD and AWD cost $47,875 and $9,675, respectively. The line-topping Sienna Platinum starts at 51,075 for FWD, and $51,635 for AWD. There are slight appearance differences with these versions, which you can see in the gallery below.
Although other vans have lower base prices, the Sienna effectively starts off with a higher trim level that comes with more equipment (an Odyssey EX and Pacifica Touring are equivalent). Standard features includes automatic LED headlights, the full Toyota Safety sense driver assistance suite (see Safety section), power sliding doors and liftgate, three-zone climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, second-row sunshades, 16 cupholders, seven USB ports, a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a six-speaker sound system.
You can find a complete breakdown of each trim level’s features, specs and local pricing here at Autoblog.
What are the Sienna safety ratings and driver assistance features?
Every Sienna includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assistance, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and full-speed adaptive cruise control. Automatic reverse emergency braking is included on all but the base LE. Also standard are Toyota’s Safety Connect emergency telematics services, along with a number of atypical airbags: driver’s knee, passenger seat under-cushion (prevents submarining under a seatbelt) and second-row seat-mounted side airbags.
The 2021 Sienna was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the highest rating a vehicle can achieve.
