Parent Tested: 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid on Everyman Driver

The Toyota Sienna is one of the most recognizable minivans on the market. This is due in no small part to the "Swagger Wagon" ads that defined the last-generation model early in its life cycle. Though the quirky marketing — and Toyota's reputation for above-average reliability — helped carry the previous Sienna for nearly a decade, a new minivan would need more than a rapping family to connect with modern buyers. Enter the redesigned 2021 Sienna.

Clearly, Toyota thinks fuel economy is one way to stand out. Gone is last year's 3.5-liter V6; in its place is a hybrid powertrain that uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's essentially the same system that Toyota uses in its RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, and it produces 245 horsepower. That's a far cry from the outgoing model's 296 hp. But in return you get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving.

The rest of the 2021's Sienna's changes are more evolutionary, with improved technology features and a new center console design that's more like a SUV's. The Sienna's biggest competitors — the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica — are both excellent thanks to their clever and usable interiors, comfortable rides and wide array of features.

Product Review Video Playlist:

[sammausser]

I’m 21 and a man and have no kids and I want this van!😂 stop with the stigma around vans! They are amazing!

[jojolosew]

I’m 16. I took my mom’s 2017 Sienna to school on a very foggy morning and was hit by a pick up head on at 55mph, I walked away with a small fracture in my hand and a mild concussion both from the airbags. Four years prior my eldest brother was run off of a dirt road and rolled our 2011 Sienna and his only injury was a bruise from his seatbelt. The Toyota sienna is the reason both of us are alive today. They kept my parents from having to bury their children. It might not be everything you’ve ever dreamt of and I apologize for the morbidity but its worth not planning a funeral. That car saved my life

[bobp]

You don’t have to be a parent to own a minivan.
I don’t have children, but I bought a minivan because it is far more practical then a SUV and roomier then a car. I can haul stuff in my minivan that a SUV can’t.
In fact my minivan can almost haul anything that a truck can haul. I said almost because if it is too tall or long you will need a truck.
A minivan is the best vehicle you can own.
They are comfortable and roomy.
I don’t care what other people think and I don’t care about driving a SUV just because it’s the in thing.
I find it funny that people think a minivan is a mommy mobile. Who cares!

[mariocastillo]

29 year old male married with two little children just recently got the 2021 le AWD sienna with a clean car credit of 7500 sweet deal 👌🏽 I’m loving 34mpg avg 😎

[Erdie]

The sideways sliding seats in the Odyssey is probably the most underrated feature in minivans. Side each seat inward a couple clicks for added safety, and even with dual rear facing car seats, no problem getting to the third row. Slide it over and they've got full unrestricted access getting to the back.

Still love the Siennas too, though.

[tonyle]

I don’t know why alot of youtubers keep complaints about the brake feel on the 21” Sienna, i tested drove all three trims XSE, Limited and platinum, i think it feel normal to me just like any other ice cars not like Tesla i test drove, it is very different when i released the acceleration when the tesla slow down and regenerate the battery

[tenman]

I sat in one 2 days ago. It's huge inside. Lots of space for everyone.

[desertlogic]

I rented that van for a trip to the Grand Canyon last November. That van is BADASS!!

[ishventurez]

I drove the 2021 limited from Houston to New Orleans 6 hrs. It was amazing! The fuel gage nearly moved!

[germanium]

I'm 35, male, 3 kids, budget is $50k, and I love mini vans. I drive a Gladiator, my wife drives a Model 3, but we want to add a mini van to our family for when we need it.

[Ima]

I’m 37 years old married have 7 kids And. Can’t wait to buy this year insha allah

[robertmercer]

78 year old Male who owns a 2020 Sienna. Van is used to haul my wife's art show tent and her paintings etc. Your huge rear facing child seat would have been more accessible if the front passenger seat was not reclined so much. So obvious later in your video.

[mikemikeyee]

29yo with a kid on the way. Wife and I picked up a 21 Sienna last month and have really enjoyed the 2200 miles we’ve already put on it. It’s my primary car as wife still has her forrester.
I was surprised with the sport mode and how confident it feels through the corners while flooring it. Reminded me how Teslas feels through corners (probably due to the weight and decent tires).

[timdaugherty]

My wife said our pocket book can’t afford it

[rioourpuprioourpup]

We just bought that exact model and color!!! We love it and plan to take on vacation soon!
I love it!!!!

[aaronmorris]

Nice review. We just picked up a 2021 XSE last week, and so far its great. It replaced a '19 Forester. Its great to retain AWD, get more towing capacity and much better MPG. I actually drive a Model 3, so I completely understand the different dynamics between the two like you were saying.

[mindspinn]

Nope. I’m a 34 year old male with a fiancée and we have no plans for children, just pets and travel, and this is the perfect vehicle. Just can’t decide if I care to option the AWD or not.

[firstlast]

It’s should be called the “Practical” instead of the “Sienna”. We like our 2019 XLE Premium AWD, but my wife threw a fit until the first couple trips to the gas station were way less $$ for way more range. It’s not a Sequoia, and it’s not Miata, but when you pay attention to what you use it for, instead of what you see yourself driving, you can’t beat it. When your nest is empty, you can get a Miata, but for now, you’re hauling our future, so go with the mothership.

[rz]

Maybe it would work to put your back facing little one in through the opposite door with the other seat slid back?:

[FlyGuy]

55, wife and I both like the room and comfort compared to virtually all other vehicles. No need for a truck, tows enough and frankly, exceptionally practical.