The all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna is a groundbreaking minivan again, now for a whole new ability that puts it ahead of its rivals.

What’s New for the 2021 Toyota Sienna

Breaking from tradition is never easy for automotive manufacturers but the new Sienna has done just that. For 2021 the Sienna is all new and unlike the vast majority of manufacturers that are slowly but surely adding horsepower and torque to every model in the lineup, this minivan can only be had with a much less powerful 4-cylinder. Still, that’s clearly an intentional tradeoff for this minivan that understands what it’s intended to do. Never before has the Sienna been so comfortable and well adjusted for a family.

Literally, everything is new on the new 2021 Toyota Sienna. For the first time in history, every single Sienna uses a hybrid powertrain that completely separates it from the rest of its rivals. Add to that excellent new tech like an intercom, bi-LED headlights, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. There’s lots of new standard safety tech too.

2021 Toyota Sienna - toyota.com

2021 Toyota Sienna – toyota.com |  Shop 2021 Toyota Sienna on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $35, 645

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

FWD or AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

35 City / 36 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 7-8

The Breakdown

Incredible fuel economy

Fantastic standard safety features

Excellent tech

Middle row can’t be taken out

Steering and brakes are numb

Provide a more powerful drivetrain

2021 Toyota Sienna Specs

Trims & Pricing

LE - $35,645
XLE - $40,925
XSE - $43,175
Limited - $47,875
Platinum - $51,075

2021 Toyota Sienna Powertrain

2021 Toyota Sienna 2.5L I4 - carsforsale.com
2021 Toyota Sienna 2.5L I4 - carsforsale.com

While nobody is out there checking 0-60 times before deciding on a minivan, this one might make buyers wonder after the purchase. That’s because regular maneuvers like popping on the highway or passing traffic are anything but effortless. Unlike most modern vehicles, you have to think about what you’re doing and how you want to do it when it comes to speeding up in the 2021 Toyota Sienna. For this reason, we wish that there was at least one more potent option under the hood.

We really like how smooth the overall ride is. The engine, while underpowered, doesn’t draw attention in city driving or highway cruising and it’s pretty quiet as well. Steering is confidence-inspiring and accurate at any speed, and properly weighted too. Perhaps the biggest gripe not related to the engine though is that the Sienna seems to exhibit some inconsistent braking performance. At times the pedal feels solid, linear, and robust, while at others it was tough to modulate properly. Overall, the Sienna drives as you would expect any other minivan, but with some noise and steering refinements that are a pleasant surprise.

2021 Toyota Sienna Fuel Economy & MPG

This is where Toyota hopes the 2021 Toyota Sienna will win over buyers. Drivers will get 35 mpg in the city and on the highway that will bump up to 36 mpg. Its next closest competitor is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid that gets a combined 30 mpg. Other mainstream rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival can’t compete here.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

Slip in behind the wheel of the 2021 Toyota Sienna without looking behind you and it feels a bit like a lowered Toyota Tundra. The truck’s design language is clearly seen throughout the cabin, but especially in the steering wheel and the center armrest that hides a large cubby beneath it for more storage. The available premium leather seats are fantastic and remind us of Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus. The leg rests in the second row are actually very nice and supportive in a way that puts to shame lesser attempts from other vehicles.

The infotainment system is a bit boring but incredibly functional, something that’s been said of products from Toyota only a few thousand times. Having redundant controls for climate, radio, and navigation is a brilliant move that more manufacturers should consider. In terms of cargo space, the Sienna is a strange entry. First, it’s odd that the second row isn’t removable. Nevertheless, it gets out of the way easily enough when passengers need to migrate to the third row. What’s truly impressive is how easily that third row stows away. On the back of each side of the row, you’ll find a pull handle that will in one motion fold the seat and stow the seat. We’ve never seen a system that’s as easy to operate, and it’s just as easy to put the seats back.

Entertainment & Technology

2021 Toyota Sienna - toyota.com
2021 Toyota Sienna - toyota.com

The Sienna is packed full of excellent technology. Even the base model gets a 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, LED headlights, and power side doors. Beyond that buyers can opt for many other upgrades like four-zone automatic climate control, an excellent 12-speaker JBL sound system, a 12v household-style outlet, and even a vacuum cleaner. For those that really want a luxurious experience, there’s an optional refrigerator, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel available.

Safety Features

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional extras include a 360-degree camera system. Overall the 2021 Toyota Sienna prioritizes safety, and we are huge fans of that.

2021 Toyota Sienna Trims & Pricing

2021 Toyota Sienna LE - pressroom.toyota.com
2021 Toyota Sienna LE - pressroom.toyota.com

LE – $35,645

For a base vehicle, you get a ton for your money with the Sienna. LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, power sliding doors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-inch infotainment system, a 6-speaker sound system, a power driver’s seat, 7 USB ports, and power sliding doors.

2021 Toyota Sienna XLE - pressroom.toyota.com
2021 Toyota Sienna XLE - pressroom.toyota.com

XLE – $40,925

The XLE adds onto the LE with features like a fourth climate control zone, an 8-speaker sound system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a keyless push-button start, a power passenger seat, a sunroof, heated front seats, a 120v household electrical outlet, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2021 Toyota Sienna XSE - pressroom.toyota.com
2021 Toyota Sienna XSE - pressroom.toyota.com

XSE – $43,175

When optioning for the XSE, you’ll get a more aggressive and sporty looking Sienna. In addition, it adds what was an optional navigation system from the XLE and wireless charging, black roof rails, and a 12-speaker sound system are all optionable as well.

2021 Toyota Sienna Limited - pressroom.toyota.com
2021 Toyota Sienna Limited - pressroom.toyota.com

Limited – $47,875

The Limited trim is more focused on technology and features than the sportier-looking XSE. Everything about the Limited makes it feel much more luxurious. You’ll get power mirrors, wireless charging standard, third-row sunshades, leather seating, “Toyota Vac” which places a vacuum in the middle of the second row, available leg rests for second-row passengers, and the 12-speaker sound system that was an option on the XSE is standard in the Limited trim.

2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum - toyota.com
2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum - toyota.com

Platinum – $51,075

Sit in the Platinum trimmed 2021 Toyota Sienna and it starts to feel quite a bit more like a Lexus. The leather seats get even more plush and luxurious. The rear seats are heated as is the steering wheel. Bi-LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, and rain-sensing wipers are all standard. Perhaps the wildest feature? A refrigerator in the second row has two different temperature settings.

Warranties

In general, the 2021 Toyota Sienna has excellent warranty coverage. A standard 3-year 36,000-mile warranty covers everything but the powertrain is covered for a total of 5 years or 60,000 miles while all hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Add to that a full two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

What we think

2021 Toyota Sienna - toyota.com

2021 Toyota Sienna – toyota.com |  Shop 2021 Toyota Sienna on Carsforsale.com

While the 2021 Toyota Sienna is probably the least athletic minivan on sale today, it’s also the most economical. Toyota is banking on the idea that buyers will prioritize the latter over the former and we bet they’re right. There’s so much technology, so much safety equipment, and the warranty is so good that the Sienna will sell in spades.

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Stephen Rivers

Stephen Rivers is a car enthusiast who loves all things built with passion, extending to nearly all car cultures. After obtaining an occupational studies degree in sports medicine, Stephen turned his attention to sports cars. He was employed as an auto shop manager, spent time in auto sales, and worked as a software developer for a racing company, but Stephen began writing about cars over 10 years ago. When he's not in front of a computer screen, he's racing his own Bugeye Subaru WRX in as many autocross and rallycross competitions as he can.

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