2018 Toyota Sienna

Plenty of substance but a minimum of sophistication.

The sensible Sienna has all the hallmarks of the modern minivan: a spacious interior, advanced active safety features, and a powerful, efficient powertrain. Its V-6 and eight-speed automatic can be paired with class-exclusive all-wheel drive; front-wheel-drive is standard. An optional rear-seat entertainment system and a Wi-Fi hotspot keep the kids content. Standard safety tech includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. But the Sienna lacks some noteworthy features, such as the Pacifica’s fold-into-the-floor second-row seats, or the built-in vacuum that’s available in both the Odyssey and Pacifica. While this bulky box isn’t as sophisticated inside and its ride is less refined than those rivals, the Sienna has plenty of substance to satisfy buyers.

What’s New for 2018?

Toyota made significant powertrain improvements to the Sienna in 2017, but it didn’t fiddle with anything else. For 2018, the most obvious update is a new front end and stylized lower-body panels. The interior has been enhanced with a laminated windshield and acoustic glass on the front-row side windows for quieter running and a new 4.2-inch driver information display in the gauge cluster. The Entune infotainment system is upgraded across the Sienna lineup with up to five USB ports and an optional 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The available rear-seat entertainment system can now stream from Android devices. Premium audio systems are available, too. The 2018 Sienna has Toyota Safety Sense P standard. It includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control.

What Was New for 2017?

The Sienna looks essentially the same as it did when the third-generation model first hit showrooms as a 2011 model. The most significant change until now was ditching the base four-cylinder engine in 2013, making Toyota’s 3.5-liter V-6 the only engine choice. For 2017, the Sienna gets an updated powertrain. The V-6 has the same displacement as its predecessor, but boasts an extra 30 horsepower (up to 296) and 18 lb-ft of torque (up to 263). Its running mate is a new eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the six-speed. Together they improve refinement, acceleration, and fuel economy.