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2017 Toyota Sienna Video Review
Ultimate Minivan Showdown: How the Toyota Sienna Performs
The Minivan Market: Where Does the Toyota Sienna Stand?
While Toyota affectionately brands its minivan as the "swagger wagon," our comprehensive testing revealed some surprising results. In MotorVero's rigorous minivan evaluation, the Sienna faced stiff competition from newer, more refined models in its class.
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The current-generation Sienna offers several notable improvements over previous models, including:
- A more powerful engine option with increased horsepower
- Updated transmission for smoother shifting
- Marginal fuel economy improvements
- Enhanced safety features across all trims
However, when stacked against the latest offerings from competitors, the Sienna shows its age in several key areas that families should consider before making a purchase.
Performance and Powertrain: What's Under the Hood
The latest Sienna model features a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers:
| Specification | Current Model | Previous Model |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 296 hp | 266 hp |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft | 245 lb-ft |
| City MPG | 19 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 25 |
While these numbers represent measurable improvements, they still lag behind some competitors in both power delivery and fuel efficiency. The engine, though powerful, tends to be louder than premium rivals when pushed, and the fuel economy remains merely average for the class.
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Design and Comfort: Family-Friendly Features Analyzed
Exterior Styling
The Sienna's exterior design has evolved only incrementally over recent years. While functional, the styling lacks the modern flair of some competitors. Key observations include:
- Conservative body lines that show the vehicle's age
- Limited wheel design options compared to rivals
- Functional but uninspired front fascia
Interior Space and Comfort
Where the Sienna shines is in its practical interior layout:
- Spacious cabin with comfortable seating for eight
- Excellent visibility from the driver's seat
- Abundant storage compartments throughout
- Easy-to-use sliding door mechanisms
The materials quality is good but not exceptional in its class, with some hard plastics in high-touch areas that premium competitors avoid.
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How the Sienna Compares to Key Rivals
When evaluated against top competitors in MotorVero's testing, the Sienna showed strengths and weaknesses:
| Feature | Toyota Sienna | Honda Odyssey | Chrysler Pacifica |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride Comfort | Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Noise Isolation | Fair | Excellent | Good |
| Tech Features | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cargo Space | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
The Sienna's strongest suit remains Toyota's reputation for reliability, though some competitors now offer comparable warranty coverage that narrows this traditional advantage.
Family-Friendly Technology and Safety
The Sienna comes equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Automatic high beams
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While these systems work well, they lack some of the more advanced features now offered by competitors, such as:
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Advanced parking assistance
- Digital rearview mirror
- Surround-view camera systems
The infotainment system is straightforward but shows its age in graphics quality and response times compared to newer systems from Honda and Chrysler.
Who Should Consider the Toyota Sienna?
The Sienna makes the most sense for buyers who:
- Prioritize Toyota's reputation for reliability above cutting-edge features
- Need maximum passenger capacity (8 seats)
- Want a comfortable, if not luxurious, people mover
- Plan to keep their vehicle for many years
However, shoppers who value the latest technology, premium materials, or class-leading fuel economy might find better options elsewhere in the segment.
Final Verdict: Is the Sienna Right for Your Family?
The Toyota Sienna remains a competent minivan with several strengths, particularly in reliability and passenger capacity. However, in MotorVero's comprehensive evaluation, it falls short of segment leaders in several key areas:
- Pros: Strong reliability history, spacious interior, good safety scores, comfortable seating
- Cons: Noisy engine, average fuel economy, dated styling, behind on tech features
While the "swagger wagon" nickname suggests confidence, our testing shows the Sienna currently lacks the polish and innovation to lead the minivan pack. Families should test drive both the Sienna and its newer competitors to determine which best meets their needs.
For shoppers committed to the Toyota brand, waiting for the next-generation Sienna might be worthwhile, as it's expected to bring more significant updates to address current shortcomings.
Motorveroben
Last Updated On Jul, 02-2025