If you are looking for a minivan that can do it all, you might want to consider the 2024 Toyota Sienna. The Sienna is not only spacious, versatile, and comfortable but also efficient, stylish, and well-equipped. It is the only minivan in the market that offers a standard hybrid system across all trim levels, delivering a class-leading fuel economy of up to 36 mpg combined. It also has a distinctive exterior design that stands out from the crowd, a modern and ergonomic interior that caters to your needs, and a host of advanced safety and technology features that enhance your driving experience. We will review the 2024 Toyota Sienna in detail and see how it compares to its competitors.
What's New for the 2024 Toyota Sienna?
The Toyota Sienna was completely redesigned for 2021, so there are not many changes for 2024. However, there are some minor updates and a new package that make the Sienna even more appealing for families looking for a practical and efficient minivan.
The most notable change for the 2024 Toyota Sienna is the introduction of the XSE Premium package, which adds some luxury and convenience features to the sporty XSE trim level. The XSE Premium package includes leather seats with eight-way power adjustability and memory function for the driver, a power passenger seat, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with memory, heated side mirrors, puddle lamps, orange highlight stitching, a wireless charging pad, kick-activated power sliding doors and liftgate, and a 10-inch color head-up display. The package also adds a premium JBL sound system with 12 speakers and dynamic navigation, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, HDMI input, remote control, and two wireless headphones. The XSE Premium package costs $5,000 and is only available on the front-wheel-drive XSE models.
Other changes for 2024 include some styling tweaks and color options. The XSE AWD and Woodland models get darker wheels that match the ones on the front-wheel-drive XSE models. The LE and XLE models get darkened chrome headlamps. The Woodland model also gets a new exclusive color called Cement, which replaces Magnetic Gray Metallic. The Woodland model is a special edition that was introduced in 2021 as a collaboration with the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). It features increased ground clearance, roof rails with crossbars, black sports trim, unique badges, and a $250 donation to NEEF for every unit sold.
The rest of the 2024 Toyota Sienna lineup remains largely unchanged from the previous model year. The Sienna is still offered in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All models come with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce a combined output of 245 horsepower. A third electric motor is added to the rear axle to provide all-wheel drive on select models. The hybrid system is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth and seamless acceleration. The Sienna can also run on electric power alone for short distances at low speeds.
How Does It Drive?
The 2024 Toyota Sienna is not a minivan that prioritizes performance over efficiency. It is not as quick or as agile as some of its rivals, such as the Honda Odyssey or the Kia Carnival. However, it is not sluggish or sloppy either. It has enough power to handle most driving situations with ease, such as merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is respectable for its class. The CVT does a good job of keeping the engine in its optimal range without causing too much noise or vibration. The hybrid system also provides instant torque from the electric motors, which enhances responsiveness and drivability.
The new Toyota Sienna also impresses with its ride quality and handling. It has a well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections without compromising stability or control. It has a refined and quiet cabin that isolates wind and road noise effectively. It has a light and accurate steering that makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces or around corners. It has a confident and composed demeanor that inspires confidence behind the wheel. It also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy from deceleration and braking to recharge the hybrid battery. However, the brakes can feel a bit grabby and inconsistent at times, which can make it hard to come to a smooth stop.
The 2024 Toyota Sienna's main selling point is its outstanding fuel economy. It is the most efficient minivan in the market by a wide margin, thanks to its hybrid system and aerodynamic design. It can travel up to 640 miles on a single tank of gas, which is remarkable for a vehicle of its size and weight. It also has an EV mode that allows it to operate on electric power alone for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 18 mph. This can be useful for driving in parking lots or in stop-and-go traffic. The Sienna also has three other drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. Normal mode provides a balanced performance, Eco mode optimizes fuel efficiency, and Sport mode enhances throttle response and steering feel.
How Is The Interior?
The new Toyota Sienna has a spacious and versatile interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers in comfort and style. It has a modern and ergonomic dashboard that features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility. It also has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays vital information such as speed, fuel level, hybrid system status, and driver assist features. The Sienna also offers a 10-inch color head-up display on the Platinum trim and the XSE Premium package that projects key information onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation, and lane departure warning.
The 2024 Toyota Sienna has comfortable and supportive seats that provide ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. The front seats are heated and ventilated on the Limited and Platinum trims and the XSE Premium package. The second-row seats are either captain's chairs or bench seats, depending on the trim level and configuration. The captain's chairs are heated on the Limited and Platinum trims and the XSE Premium package. They also have a long-slide feature that allows them to move forward or backward by up to 25 inches, which can create more legroom for the third-row passengers or more cargo space behind them. The bench seat can seat three people and has a stowable middle seat that can be removed to create a pass-through to the third row. The third-row seats are split-folding and have a one-motion stow feature that allows them to fold flat into the floor with a simple pull of a lever.
The new Toyota Sienna has a generous and flexible cargo area that can accommodate various items and configurations. It has 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. It also has an underfloor storage compartment that can hold small items or the spare tire. The Sienna also has several storage cubbies and cupholders throughout the cabin, as well as four USB ports, two 120-volt outlets, and an available wireless charging pad. The Sienna also offers hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate on the Limited and Platinum trims and the XSE Premium package that can be opened or closed by waving a foot under the sensors.