Toyota’s Sienna minivan has always been a favorite among family buyers. While the van’s exterior styling continues to be controversial, there’s no denying that it still continues to offer an impressive amount of practicality to go along with its all-hybrid powertrain lineup. However, what if you’re looking to add more luxury to your family vehicle experience but don’t want to move up into a big SUV to do it?
Toyota thinks it might have the answer with the 2025 Sienna Platinum which is attempting to push the envelope of luxury while maintaining the Sienna’s universal appeal. Is it all enough to help the van appeal to the jet set or is it all flash and no susbatance?
Sienna interior leads the way
Unlike some of our other reviews, this one actually flips the script with the interior of the Sienna getting the bulk of the spotlight for its 2025 updates. The exterior styling is a classic case of don’t judge a book by its cover with the odd lines hiding an interior that’s still a potent contender in the segment. All models not only get upgraded materials but also a new Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system that’s newly standard on all models.
At first glance, the system is largely similar to others we have seen in recent years with the van sounding an audible tone to remind drivers to look behind them to make sure no one is left behind. However, the Sienna’s goes a few steps further and will not only send you a text message but also call you to remind you to check the rear seats in the event the driver misses the original alert. As creepy as that sounds, it’s all about enhancing safety with the system also using millimeter wave radar to check the backseats for occupants left behind. A more powerful phone charging pad is also included and a better infotainment system with our Platinum tester being one of the models that gets the bigger 12.3-inch unit (a smaller 8.0-inch screen is standard on the base one.)
Higher trims like our rig also double down on the lounge atmosphere with the second-row getting ottomans and a built-in fridge with a vacuum cleaner also being thrown in too. Storage space is also in abundance with Toyota cramming plenty of storage nooks and cubbies into the van with 18 cupholders providing plenty of room for a wide variety of drinks. Our Platinum model had a large 11.6-inch rear screen mounted in the roof which allows occupants to catch a flick or even play a video game while out on the move. A pair of headphones are also available as well with Platinums like our example getting a nice sounding JBL Premium audio system.
Sienna continues to be fuel economy king
The Sienna first embraced an all-hybrid layout back in 2021 and this continues to be the case for 2025 with the van continuing to be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that’s paired with a hybrid system to produce a combined system output of 245 hp. Our tester managed to make the sprint to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds which is quicker than the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid and is on par with the Kia Carnival though it’s a far cry from the Honda Odyssey which continues to be the fastest minivan on the market. A CVT continues to be lone transmission available.
While the Sienna will never be known for being a performance model (despite the XSE’s best efforts at trying to do an impression of one) fuel economy reigns supreme here with the EPA saying a front-wheel drive Sienna can get matching 36 mpg in city and freeway driving. All-wheel drive is an under $1000 option with our AWD-equipped Platinum seeing its fuel figures drop slightly to 35 mpg on regular unleaded. That’s still a lofty number and it has continued to be a potent selling point for the van.
It costs how much?
Pricing for the 2025 Toyota Sienna continues to be a potent selling point for the bulk of the lineup with the LE starting at just under $40,000 with the XLE and the sporty XSE models being firmly in the $43,000 and $46,000 range respectively. However, slip into the three remaining trims and pricing becomes more of an issue with the Limited starting at $50,200 with the rugged Woodland not too far behind.
The range-topping Platinum wears its flagship title proudly and that’s reflected in its price with a base model starting at over $56,000. Our example arrived with optional extras and they caused the as-tested price to get very close to $60,000. That’s in the same territory as some luxury SUVs and while the Sienna’s minivan status makes it a unique cross-shop, it just doesn’t make sense to choose this trim over a true luxury vehicle.
Instead, we suggest ignoring the ambitiously priced Platinum and focus on lower trims including the volume-focused XLE and its sporty cousin the XSE. Both of these trims get a good lineup of standard equipment and the latter gets sportier styling and a slightly firmed-up suspension.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.