2019 Toyota Sienna Review
With the increasing popularity of crossovers and compact SUVs, are minivans still relevant to the market? In the case of the Sienna, its legacy cannot be discounted. With a few key upgrades to this year's model and the addition of all-wheel drive to the popular SE trim, there are now more reasons to consider buying this car. However, with the introduction of new rivals such as the Kia Sedona, Toyota designers may need to think about a substantial refresh to remain relevant. Competitors in the family-hauler segment offer better ride quality and handling than Toyota, but the Sienna still has versatility, space, convenience and a powerful engine as prominent advantages. Priced between $31,115 and $48,890 - with up to eighteen different configurations - there is great diversity on offer. It still remains the only minivan in the United States with proper towing capabilities.
What's the Price of the 2019 Toyota Sienna?
With eighteen configurations available on this range, pricing structures are broad, ranging from $31,115 to $48,890. All prices are exclusive of a destination charge of $1,095. At the entry point to the range, the Sienna L is the cheapest option priced at $31,115. One level up, the LE starts at $34,135 in FWD guise while the Auto Access has an MSRP of $40,060. The mid-range SE trim in FWD form is $37,465, with the AWD option priced at $38,770. The XLE offers a plethora of options for configurations, and as a front-wheel-drive is priced at $37,465 while the Auto Access is priced from $43,600. Limited trim levels are fully-loaded with prices starting at $44,210 before options.
2019 Sienna Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
200.2 in | 119.3 in | 68.9 in | 78.1 in | 67.7 in | 67.7 in | 4,430.0 lbs |
2019 Sienna Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Minivans are not designed to be nimble or agile, and with its large size and bulky body, the Sienna handles exactly as expected. With any aggression, there's a large amount of body-roll around corners and on winding roads, which doesn't inspire much in the way of driver confidence. The SE trim with its sportier configuration, as well as AWD, offers an improved sense of handling and grip, but the Sienna simply fails to live up to the athleticism of the Honda Odyssey and Kia Sedona.
Steering presents as light enough to manage tight parking spots easily, although on the open road this is not ideal: more feedback would inspire confidence as the somewhat lifeless steering at speed is, well, slightly disconcerting. The Sienna offers smooth deceleration, although a little more effort is needed to get the brakes to bite solidly. Emergency brake tests from 60 mph resulted in a distance of 120-odd feet, which is better than some of its rivals but fairly middling for the segment.
2019 Sienna Interior
2019 Sienna Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Toyota Sienna A Good minivan?
The Sienna has an extended history and long legacy of reliability and good service. It is a durable minivan with a reputation for versatility and convenience. With ample space and a wide variety of configurations options, the fact that it is all-wheel-drive enabled is quite significant as it's the only minivan on sale with a second driven axle. Toyota has found a sweet spot in the market, touching on some SUV-like characteristics, with the value-for-money basis of the minivan. Safety scores, good fuel economy, and an enthusiastic engine help to keep the Sienna as a solid choice and a good vehicle to buy. However, it is also one of the oldest minivans on the road and could do with an overhaul in terms of design, styling and newer technology. It's feeling its age, but its still a solid family hauler.
What Toyota Sienna Model Should I Buy?
With four of the available models available as all-wheel drive, the buyer is spoilt for choice. Whether AWD is a must or not, the best option is the SE trim, with newly added all-wheel-drive traction. This model is sport-oriented with seven seats available and can tow up to 3,500lbs. It also offers a host of exterior enhancements too, with convenience features such as a power liftgate and luxurious perforated leather seats which are heated in the front. As an addition to this recommendation, it is worth noting that the XLE Auto Access option is a must-have for families needing assistance with passenger entry or exit: the rotating power-activated seat is superb, and the remaining details of this trim level are also top-end. It features leather interior, keyless entry, and premium audio as well as most of the features already included on the SE model.
2019 Toyota Sienna Comparisons
2019 Toyota Sienna vs Honda Odyssey
Both the Sienna and Odyssey feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing similar performance, although the Sienna provides 16 hp more. The main drawback of the Sienna is the lackluster handling with more pronounced body roll through corners. The Honda remains a more capable and controlled vehicle overall, with better cornering and more dynamic steering where the Sienna feels quite numb. There is very little difference between the two in terms of gas mileage, with only one mile per gallon improvement for highway cycles by the Honda. The Toyota minivan provides the best cargo space, with a more generous cabin as well, but the Honda's cabin feels more premium. Toyota now offers Apple CarPlay on an easier to use infotainment system, but the Honda makes available both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota is more reliable, but the Honda is no rolling junkyard either. As a result of the better driving experience and more premium cabin, though, we recommend the Odyssey. The Sienna is good, but it feels old compared to more contemporary rivals.
2019 Toyota Sienna vs Kia Sedona
At the outset, Kia's Sedona is a much better-looking vehicle inside and out, with an interior that seems more crossover than minivan, and making it more appealing to the general buying public. The Kia offers exceptional value for money, sufficient cargo space, better ground clearance, a longer wheelbase, and numerous standard features on even the base model. The Sienna offers better fuel economy and the option of all-wheel-drive, but the Kia is more enjoyable to drive, and the family will likely find their accommodation more comfortable. Unless you fall into the niches of requiring either AWD or assisted access for the rear seats, the Kia is a more complete package all-round.