2018 Toyota Sienna Review: The Go Anywhere Minivan

Two decades after its debut, the Sienna remains a popular minivan and the only vehicle in its segment that offers an all-wheel-drive option. More than that, but it caters to special needs, too, as two of its trim levels can be equipped with auto access features that allow for a rotating power-ascending and descending outboard seat to help passengers in and out of the vehicle. Competing with popular family carriers such as the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, the impressive safety rating and superior reliability scores rank the Sienna as an excellent buy if you need to move a lot of people around, most of the time. But the Sienna is aging, and the interior lacks the contemporary feel of rivals. Still, excellent ride quality and typical levels of practicality for the minivan segment, along with new-for-2018 safety features in the form of standard Toyota Safety Sense P mean that there's lots to love about the Sienna.

What's the Price of the 2018 Toyota Sienna?

With so many options available on this range, pricing structures are broad, ranging from $30,850 to $48,715 excluding Toyota's $1,045 destination charge.

The base model Sienna L is the cheapest option in the range, and is priced at $30,850. One level up, the LE can be had in various configurations with a base price of $33,760. The specially equipped seven-seater with Auto Access rear seat has an MSRP of $39,685. The mid-range SE trim will set you back $37,090 while the SE Premium is priced from $42,305. The XLE is priced at $37,090 in base form, while the XLE Premium carries an MSRP of $40,780. The Auto Access version of the XLE is priced at $43,225. The most premium trims on offer, the Limited and Limited Premium, carry base MSRPs of $43,835 and $47,355 respectively. Adding all-wheel-drive adds an additional $1,360.

2018 Sienna Exterior

Dimensions

2018 Sienna Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

With such large dimensions to accommodate up to eight passengers as well as cargo, it stands to reason that the Sienna would feel like the big van that it is. Unsurprisingly, there is quite a bit of body roll when going through turns. This is improved significantly on the SE trim with sports-suspension that better adapts to bends and curves in the road. However, this comes at the expense of ride quality, and sharper jolts are felt more, particularly when fully loaded.

On the standard suspension, the ride is relatively plush and comfortable. Hitting bumps jostles the cabin a little, but not so much that it is unbearable. In general, road textures are absorbed without a fuss. With light and effortless steering, tight-spaces can be easily negotiated, but at speed, the steering feels numb and does little to inspire confidence. In terms of braking, a soft pedal produces smooth deceleration that may require a little more push to get a reaction. Stopping from 60 mpg takes around 120 feet, which is normal in this segment, but expect this figure to increase the more passengers you have on board.

2018 Sienna Interior

2018 Sienna Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna A Good Minivan?

The Sienna is a minivan with a proven track record over the course of the last twenty years; remaining popular for its spacious cabin and versatile cargo options, the Sienna's ability to be customised is a real plus point. Impressive reliability ratings and high safety scores make this an ideal family vehicle, supported by extensive warranties that underscore the faith the manufacturer has in its own product. A strong and efficient engine provides class-leading acceleration and average fuel consumption ratings, and while rivals may offer better gas mileage or even hybrid options, the Sienna remains the only minivan with all-wheel-drive as an option. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a minivan specifically. Additionally, families who need a vehicle to cater to special needs will find the Auto Access seats particularly thoughtful and useful, and while this is by no means a compact SUV or full utility vehicle, it performs its tasks with aplomb and consistency. However, it's not all positive, as the dated interior feels a little cheap, and the driving dynamics aren't exemplary. It's definitely one of the better minivans, but against a benchmark like the Chrysler Pacifica, the Sienna just feels old.

What Toyota Sienna Model Should I Buy?

While the SE trim level offers better suspension and handling (with the trade-off of a more rigid ride) as well as nicer styling, it is surprisingly not our choice for the best possible buy. Instead, the very customizable XLE trim takes that honor: with five different configuration options, the standard XLE in front-wheel drive with Premium package installed offers excellent value for money. Seating up to eight passengers, this trim level offers the luxurious leather seats with multi-stage heating in the front, 17-inch wheels, touch-activated door handles, leather steering, keyless entry, and the additional Blu-Ray entertainment system. A minivan is bought for family, and this model offers everything a family would require. Space, comfort, and convenience - with the option of a power rotating seat on the XLE Auto Access sub-trim, for those families with passengers who may need a little extra assistance.

2018 Toyota Sienna Comparisons

2018 Toyota Sienna vs Honda Odyssey

Sharing an identically sized 3.5-liter V6 engine with the Honda Odyssey, both minivans provide ample power and acceleration, although the Sienna has a higher horsepower output and better performance. Where the Sienna struggles in its base format is with average handling and body roll in corners which can only be mitigated by choosing the SE trim which leads to a stiffer, harsher ride. By contrast, the Honda offers a much more capable and controlled drive, with impressive cornering and better steering, which on the Sienna is quite lifeless. Fuel economy ratings are within one mile per gallon for highway driving, and the Sienna offers a much better cargo area with more space overall. Superior reliability ratings on the Sienna are offset by its lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are available on the Honda. With very similar prices at the entry point to their respective ranges, the overall winner between the Honda and the Toyota depends on personal preference for the most part. We are inclined to lean towards the highly reliable and competent Sienna, but the more contemporary and tech-centric Odyssey is a superb choice.

2018 Toyota Sienna vs Chrysler Pacifica

The biggest difference between the Sienna and the Pacifica is in the easy-to-use, modern infotainment system on the Chrysler, which is equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Featuring similar engines - a 3.6-liter V6 on the Pacifica and a 3.5-liter V6 on the Sienna - the Sienna outperforms its rival by at least nine horsepower, and while having the preppier engine, offers less exciting and capable handling than what the Chrysler does. Included features and driver aids are much more comprehensive on the Toyota though, with the newly included Safety Sense suite as standard across the range. The Sienna is also more spacious and roomy, although the seats in the Pacifica fold and store a little easier. However, the Pacifica is the class-leader for a reason, feeling more premium, offering much better tech and infotainment, and even the option for a hybrid model should your heart desire. Considering the nearly $4,000 difference in price in favor of the Pacifica, it's our pick for the current best minivan on the market.