It takes a lot to get me excited about a minivan, I'll be honest. So I was happily surprised to find out that there's a lot to be excited to be about when it comes to this week's test drive, the 2025 Toyota Sienna. This year brings some long-overdue available features like a FridgeBox - and yes - finally, a vacuum! All cause for celebration. There are other important updates, too, including updating to the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia System and new rear seat reminder technology.
The Sienna is a stylish minivan that gives off upscale vibes in my tester's Ruby Flare Pearl hue. I approve of the Platinum's new-for-2025 two-tone metallic clad wheels. A Hybrid Electric Vehicle badge is now located on the rear liftgate of all grades.
Starting with the 4th-generation Sienna that debuted in 2021, all Siennas are hybrids with a choice of FWD or AWD drivetrains. The hybrid system pairs a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors to an ECVT for a combined 245-horsepower. This Platinum is also equipped with electronic on-demand All-Wheel drive.
Inside, you'll find updated cabin quality for 2025 in terms of interior fit and finish on the seats, console and dashboard. This is true for all grades. For the Platinum, that includes new Macadamia and Black leather-trimmed seats and a new woodgrain finish on the high center console.
Soft-touch materials adorn the upper door panels and dash and a leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated. While I was happy to see a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, I still noted an issue sun glare.
The 2025 Sienna lineup also upgrades to Toyota's new multimedia system and the Platinum pairs it with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Bluetooth and HD Radio. The system comes with a one-year Drive Connect trial subscription with access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. So unlike the last time I reviewed a Sienna, you can now prompt the system by saying "Hey Toyota". 4G Wi-Fi is also available and a 12-speaker JBL sound system is standard on Platinum.
The Sienna is more family-friendly than ever thanks to some new convenience features. New for 2025, the Sienna is available with its first-ever vacuum. It's stored in a bag in the trunk and hooks up to an outlet in the back of the center console. A new available FridgeBox cooler in the center console keeps items cool. It's within easy reach of both front and second-row passengers.
The entire lineup gets some other welcome updates, too - they include a faster wireless charger, new dual microphones for increased call clarity and USB-C ports throughout the cabin with a USB-A port in the dash.
Second-row passengers in the 7-passenger seat Platinum are VIPs with leather-trimmed, heated, second-row captain’s chairs with a super-long-slide feature and ottomans. The armrests are rather on the short side. Manual sunshades are standard and a rear seat entertainment system is optional.
It goes without saying the Sienna is minivan roomy - with plenty of head- and leg-room in all three rows. It's easy to access all rows, too. Third-row room is excellent for adults.
Other standard features include push-button start, power door locks and windows, a standard sunroof, four-zone climate , a lockable glove compartment, and an electric parking brake.
Power slide opening doors come in really handy - you can operate them via kick sensor, by using power buttons in the cabin and controls on the key fob.
The 60/40 One-Motion-Stow Split & Stow 3rd Row seats fold down easily. There's a ton of cargo space even with the third row up..
Ride and Drive
The Sienna is going to get everyone where you're going in comfort. The ride is smooth and though not exciting, it's enjoyable. While power is ok, acceleration from a stop can be loud due to engine drone which isn't so great for cabin quietness. I also found it noisier than I'd like in highway traffic - where you'll get 35 mpg combined. Of Normal, ECO, EV and Sport drive modes, Sport gives you the most responsiveness, but the word Sport should not be taken too seriously.
Safety
New for 2025, the Sienna debuts Toyota's new Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system. The radar-based system can detect movement in the rear seats after the vehicle has been turned off and locked. It's great to see updates like this.
On the driver assistance side of things, I'm disappointed to report that we're still talking Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (Toyota is up to 3.0 now.) That being said, it includes great features like Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is also standard. The Platinum is also the sole lineup recipient of a standard 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
Options include the 15-watt inverter with two 120-volt AC outlets ($300), rear seat entertainment system ($1,415), digital rearview mirror ($200) and premium paint ($475), mudguards ($155), illuminated door sills ($345), wheel locks ($90) and cross bars ($210).
Toyota's given the Sienna some important and overdue updates that up its game and keep it competitive in the minivan segment.
Manufacturer's website: Toyota