Introduced in 1998 to replace the slow-selling Previa, the Sienna quickly established itself as a class leader in the minivan market. Designed in America for the local market, it’s a great family vehicle.
Now in its fourth generation, the Sienna has always provided safe, versatile transportation. There are three rows of seats and there’s plenty of space for passengers, while removing the second and third rows frees up an incredible amount of cargo space and a low-load floor. Since the second generation, launched in 2004, every version of the Sienna minivan has been able to swallow 4’x8’ sheets of plywood or sheetrock.
It isn’t the coolest car on the road, but the Sienna is comfortable and efficient—especially the latest fourth-generation model, which has hybrid-only powertrains and best-in-class fuel economy. It’s also the only hybrid all-wheel drive minivan currently available on the market, and although the plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica comes close to delivering the same efficiency, the additional complexity of a plug-in system can be a negative for some.
Toyota Sienna Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Toyota Sienna Pros and Cons
- Toyota Sienna Generations
- Fourth Generation (2021-Present)
- Third Generation (2011-2020)
- Second Generation (2004-2010)
- First Generation (1998-2003)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota years are the best?
The 2015 and 2016 model years are among the best, offering a great blend of value, reliability, and modern features. Fourth-generation models, produced from 2021, are some of the best minivans on the market, with handsome styling, spacious interiors, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Due to demand and their relative youth, used examples commanded a premium, so it can be difficult to find a good deal.
What are the worst Toyota Sienna years?
Siennas are generally reliable, and it’s difficult to identify the worst years. The 2004 model year—the first of the second generation—has received the most complaints from owners, and the 2017 Toyota Sienna is also one to avoid, due to transmission issues.
Is a used Toyota Sienna a good deal?
Yes, a used Toyota Sienna can be a great deal. Toyota has a reputation for building safe and reliable transportation, and the Sienna very much lives up to that. There are plenty of used Siennas on the market that fit a wide range of budgets, and the first and second generations can be great value.
Toyota Sienna Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Safe and reliable
- Lots of passenger space
- Versatile interior
Cons:
- Latest generation models can be expensive
- Issues with power sliding doors
- Not particularly cool
Toyota Sienna Generations
Fourth Generation (2021-Present)
The fourth generation Sienna was introduced for the 2021 model year and received all-new styling and an all-hybrid lineup, making it one of the most efficient minivans on the market.
While this segment isn’t known for producing fashion icons, the latest Sienna’s front end was inspired by the Highlander, and its wide grille and sleek LED headlights made for a more SUV-like appearance. From the side, the Sienna has a sculpted body that swoops over impressive rear arches, giving it a wide and assertive stance for a minivan.
All versions of the Sienna were fitted with Toyota’s robust and efficient hybrid powertrain. The standard 2.5-liter four cylinder engine worked with two electric motors driving the front wheels, produced 245 horsepower and was rated at 36 mpg combined by the EPA.
All-wheel drive was still available, adding a third electric motor to drive the rear axle. Despite the additional motor, the system was still rated at 245 horsepower, the main limitation being the size of the battery. As in other Toyotas, this all-wheel drive system wasn’t mechanically linked like a traditional AWD or 4x4, so there are no transfer cases or driveshafts running front to rear. While ultimate off-road performance suffers, on-road efficiency is dramatically improved while maintaining the sure-footedness of a traditional AWD system in slippery conditions. The AWD version is rated at 35 mpg combined, only one less than the FWD model. All Siennas come standard with FWD, but AWD is optional with all trims.
Five trim levels were available: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. All Sienna models came with Toyota SafetySense 2.0 and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Toyota’s SafetySense is a suite of active driving safety features that includes a dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
That meant the base Sienna LE trim was surprisingly well equipped, and it even included Softex upholstery on the stow-able second- and third-row seats, good for carrying up to eight passengers—and Toyota even threw in keyless entry, push-button start, and a blind spot monitoring system. There’s an incredible amount of USB ports within easy reach of the front and rear passenger seats, too.
The Toyota Sienna XLE had optional second-row captain’s chairs, a better sound system, four-zone climate control, and optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna XSE had standard second row captain’s chairs, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, sport-tuned suspension, and 20-inch wheels with low-profile tires.
The Sienna Limited trim got standard leather-trimmed seats and a JBL Premium Audio sound system with 12-speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier. The range-topping Platinum added unique 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and a standard 360-degree overhead view camera.
Changes to this generation have so far been relatively minor. Toyota introduced the Woodland Edition in 2022, which had more ground clearance, standard AWD, flannel interior accents, and special colors for your overlanding adventures. The Woodland was best kept to dirt roads, as it wasn’t a heavy-duty off-roader, but it nonetheless came standard with roof rails, a tow hitch, and a 1,500-watt inverter.
There was a minor refresh for the 2025 model year, and the Platinum trim received the biggest updates, in the form of a standard built-in fridge box and vacuum.
Fourth-generation Siennas have been largely reliable, and live up to Toyota’s dependable reputation. Owners have reported issues with the 12V battery system, while overactive sensors for the power sliding doors and the power liftgate can cause excessive drain, leading to a dead battery. A quick solution is to disable the sensors for the doors and the trunk hatch through the settings menu, and just open and close them manually.
Pricing for the fourth-generation Sienna has varied wildly, because it was released in the chip shortage era. Supply did not meet demand, resulting in many new buyers having to pay premiums or wait for long periods before delivery, which means used values have stayed strong.
The average price of a 2021 Toyota Sienna is about $37,000—not far from the original MSRP, depending on the trim, while base LE models with moderate miles can be found for around $30,000. The new 2025 Sienna starts at $39,185 for the entry-level LE trim, with the range-topping Platinum starting at $56,145.
Third Generation (2011-2020)
Introduced for the 2011 model year, the third-generation Sienna continued to improve and quickly established itself as one of the best minivans on the market, and reviews at the time ranked it above Honda’s Odyssey—a key rival. It was available in five trims: base, LE, XLE, Limited, and a new, sporty SE trim.
Despite riding on the same wheelbase as its predecessor, the Sienna grew in width to maximize its interior packaging. The second-row seats slid back and forth and reclined, and the captain’s chairs came with extending foot rests. Removing them could be tricky due to their weight, but with the third row folded down, the Sienna could accommodate 4’x8’ foot sheets of plywood, go-karts, or furniture.
The standard four-cylinder motor produced an adequate 187 horsepower driving the front wheels, while atheoptional 3.5-liter V6 produced 266 horsepower and could be paired with standard FWD or an optional AWD system. The V6 engine was very smooth and pleasant to drive, but fuel economy was a poor 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway when equipped with the AWD system.
Don’t be fooled by the four-cylinder motor, either. The Sienna is a big car, and the four cylinder was quite underpowered, so it got about the same fuel economy as the V6 engine. Due to low demand and poor performance, the base four-cylinder was dropped for the 2013 model year, making the V6 standard for all Siennas.
Toyota added a direct fuel injection system to the V6 for the 2017 model year, bringing the horsepower to 296, and a new eight-speed transmission was introduced to match the revised engine. These changes improved fuel economy, with the all-wheel drive version now rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway and the FWD version at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The 2018 model year heralded a mild mid-cycle refresh, with all models getting an updated front end, extra USB charging ports, and standard Toyota SafetySense. This suite of active driving assistance included Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and automatic high beams.
The 2015 and 2016 model years with the V6 engine and front-wheel drive are the most reliable of the third-generation Siennas. While the later 2017 V6 models got more power, the new eight-speed transmission could be problematic, particularly for the 2017 and 2018 model years.
Watch out for the power sliding doors, Toyota issued a recall for these, and out of pocket repairs can be expensive. Check with your local dealership to see if the recall is still active on your Sienna, because it is a matter of when (not if) the power doors have a problem as to whether the repair will be honored. Inspect and be prepared to replace the front struts and front strut mounts; due to the front end design, these suspension items wear out regularly and are considered a regular maintenance item. Inspect the power sliding doors carefully if you live in an area prone to cold weather, as snow slush builds up easily in the lower tracks.
Pricing for third-generation Sienna varies greatly by age and condition. Early 2011 models average around $10,000, and expect to pay up to about $29,000 for 2020 versions. The 2015 and 2016 model years are the sweet spot, with prices averaging around $17,000 depending on mileage, trim, and condition.
Second Generation (2004-2010)
The second-generation Sienna, introduced for the 2004 model year, underwent a significant redesign. It was bigger than its Camry-based predecessor and aimed squarely at the Honda Odyssey, becoming a class leader in interior space, both for passengers and cargo, with space for up to eight occupants.
The second-row seat was available either as a three person bench or two captain’s chairs. Both options could slide and be removed, allowing easy access to the three-seater third row, which could also fold flat into the floor. With the second-row removed and the third row folded flat, the Sienna could swallow up 4’x8’ foot sheets of plywood or drywall—a key marketing metric that has stuck around ever since.
Power came from a 3.3-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on all four trim levels: CE, LE, XLE, XLE Limited (later renamed, simply, Limited). All-wheel drive was available with the Toyota Sienna LE and higher trims. For the 2007 model year, all Toyota Sienna trims received a new 3.5 liter V6 engine, still paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
All Siennas came standard with a wide range of safety features, including ABS with brake assist, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims were available with an early form of adaptive cruise control, known as Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, and HID headlights. There was also an optional 10-speaker JBL sound system, along with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with video input jacks and household-style 115V plugs for video game systems.
Both engines were generally reliable, but each could be prone to oil leaks. The earlier 3.3-liter V6 used a timing belt, which needed to be changed every nine years or 90,000 miles. The later 3.5-liter motor used a timing chain that didn’t require such maintenance.
Power sliding doors can cause major headaches and repairs are expensive. The common failure point is the cable, the replacement for which is expensive, and fitting is a labor-intensive job. The good news is that, as with the third-generation Sienna, you can turn off the power feature and use the doors manually. Even better if you can find a van without the power door option. Cars from the snow belt can be prone to rust issues around the subframe, and transfer cases on the all-wheel drive version can leak, again leading to costly repairs.
Prices for the second-generation Sienna are largely dependent on mileage and condition, and expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 for a good example. Springing for a lower end trim, such as the CE or the LE with front-wheel drive can be the more reliable and cost-effective option.
First Generation (1998-2003)
Launched in 1998, the original Sienna replaced Toyota’s egg-shaped, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Previa. Designed in the United States and based on the best-selling Camry sedan, the Sienna quickly became known as the “Camry of minivans”.
It was available with three trim levels: CE, LE, and XLE. The base CE came standard with a three-passenger second-row bench, while the LE and XLE were equipped with captain’s chairs. The third-row bench could squeeze three people in a pinch, at the expense of the middle seat.
Being based on the Camry—and built in the same factory—placed some limitations on the first-generation Sienna, chiefly that it was smaller, and therefore less practical, than the Dodge Caravan and the Honda Odyssey. However, the driving experience was smooth and refined.
While not the most exciting car on the scene, the Sienna quickly earned praise as a quality family transport. Not only did it have 16 cupholders, it came standard with front side torso airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes, which helped to earn it a “good” rating from the IIHS.
The standard 3.0-liter V6 engine delivered 194 horsepower and was familiar from other Toyota products, such as the Camry and the Lexus ES. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Sienna offered best-in-class fuel economy, rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Refreshed for the 2001 model year, the Sienna got new front and rear fascias, including a new front grill and rear taillights, and the V6 received an updated variable valve timing system, bringing horsepower to 210.
The V6 engines are generally reliable and well regarded, as long as they are regularly maintained. The Sienna was subject to a class-action lawsuit due to an oil sludge issue, and regular oil changes are required to prevent it. These motors also use a timing belt, which needs to be replaced at regular intervals.
Expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 for a nice example with reasonable mileage. The refreshed 2001-2003 model years command a premium, with prices for good ones reaching up to $8,000.
