It’s interesting to see how the attitudes over minivans have changed over the years. At first, they were loved for the space and practicality, especially among those with families. Then, as SUVs got popular, the van got pushed back as being un-hip, un-cool.
But don’t feel too bad, because there is still a loyal following for the loyal family transpo…and they continue to get better all the time. Case in point, our new 2025 Toyota Sienna gets some great new features and a new interior look, making it a great choice for those that need a smart people mover. How smart? Let’s take a look!
Swagger wagon
A few years ago, Toyota has a successful ad campaign calling the Sienna a “swagger wagon” – injecting some fun and coolness into what was once considered a terminally frumpy market segment.
The front has a familiar Toyota look with slim LED headlamps into a chrome-tone upper grille. A blue Toyota badge hints to those in the know that all Siennas are now hybrid models. The lower fascia has a large pentagon-shaped grille with added bling from some chrome trim below. Overall, the front looks aero and modern.
The profile is modern minivan – a nice blend of sweeping lines, and functional boxiness. Fender flares give some muscle, and traditional cues like a sliding side door on both sides means ease of loading and utility. One stylish touch are the new for 2025 two-tone metallic clad wheels on our Platinum grade tester, and we also loved the 5-leaf clover design.
The rear is also function-forward with a large, easy-open power hatch. Wrap around LED taillight and S I E N N A in block letters look upscale and fresh. Our Platinum tester also enjoyed a little extra chrome trim for some added bling. A new HEV badge (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) badge on the liftgate also makes it easy to tell our tester was a ’25 model. Our driver also wore a new-for-2025 Magnetic Gray Metallic Exterior color – upscale and elegant, it elevated our tester and looked great!
Updated and Luxurious
If you think the exterior looks upscale, wait until you see inside!
For 2025, Toyota has done some serious upgrades on the Sienna’s cabin, and especially on high-end models like our Platinum trim, it’s impressively deluxe.
Open the door, and the boxiness of the exterior pays off in wide open spaces with a sweeping dash that stretches across the front. A massive center console that starts at the front and reaches all the way to the 2ndrow seats divides the front but creates a massive hold with a huge center storage, under console storage, four cupholders, and still offers room for a traditional shift lever and a nice pad for wireless charging – all within easy reach. A new woodgrain finish pumps up the luxury vibe.
The improvements come fast and furious, with a new, customizable 12.3-inch digital display, with loads of information sensibly laid out. The wireless charger for smartphones is now standard across the Sienna lineup, and Toyota points out that it’s a 5th generation design that’s faster charging than before.
Our tester also had a handy head-up display for quick info at a glance. Another worthy option, our tester had a digital rearview mirror – a great idea in a minivan, since you can be carrying loads of people or packages that would otherwise obscure your rearview mirror.
Info-tainment is handled by an available 12.3-inch touchscreen that sits tablet style in the center of the dash. While some makers are now creating a seamless dual display, the one in the Sienna makes sense to us – the passenger can also get access to info-tainment – great for keeping the whole family happy on longer trips.
While we usually prefer the driver’s seat, our tester made us rethink that. Anyone with experience in a minivan will appreciate the sliding doors on both sides – easy access, no worries in tight parking spaces of garages and great for loading in child seats.
Once inside, our 2nd row captain’s chairs serve up some great stuff – they can slide over 24 inches back for limousine legroom (or cozy up to give 3rd row passengers more room) and even feature a swing-up ottoman cushion. Kick back, recline, and enjoy first-class comfort!
And there’s more! In our tester’s center console was (drum roll please…) a refrigerator and a vacuum. Cold drinks and an easy way to clean up crumbs. Smart. Speaking of smart, for 2025, the Sienna adds a standard radar-based Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system capable of detecting movement in the rear seats after the vehicle has been turned off and locked. It can even send you a text message or voice call if it senses you’ve left something precious (i.e. kids, pets) behind.
Vans are masters of function, too. With the third-row seats up, you have a deep well behind them for loads of storage, or you can tumble the 3rd row down into that well and have a reasonably flat floor with huge amounts of space.
Big and Thrifty
Handsome and luxurious, the Sienna has another trick up its sleeve – it’s impressively efficient.
OK, this is nothing new, as mechanically not much has changed in Swagger Wagon Land the past few years. But that’s fine, since the Sienna was already a very good thing. The hybrid powertrain features a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electric motors on front wheel drive models like our tester. (4WD models add a third electric motor). Either way, you’re looking at 245 horsepower.
And with those electric motors, you get plenty of low-end oomph and a very clever system that often switches over to EV mode for whisper-quiet operation and excellent fuel efficiency. How excellent? How about 36 city, 36 highway and 36 combined EPA. For such a big vehicle that’s impressive! The ride quality is also very smooth, reinforcing our feeling of “big limo on wheels”.
OK, this is not a GR Corolla or GR86 sports car, but we found the handling to be quite good for such a large vehicle. A lot of that is thanks to the fantastic Panoramic View Monitor that makes it easy to place the Sienna in any parking space, negotiate that fast-food drive through (did we mention all those cupholders?) or just negotiate the urban grind.
Platinum Price
While our Platinum tester was the top of the line, Toyota makes an effort to meet a lot of budgets with the Sienna. You can get into an LE model that includes all the new upgrades and an impressive 36 mpg fuel economy rating for $39,185. For a stylish, efficient people mover that’s impressive value.
Our whole enchilada 2WD Platinum tester started at $56,145. Options included a digital rearview mirror ($200), some additional accessories and Toyota’s Connected Service Trial offering w/ remote connect ($325). Add in $1,450 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $58,634.
Competitors include the Kia Carnival Hybrid, and at $55,195 comparably equipped, it’s a little bit less. It’s also a little less fuel efficient. (Note: While the Sienna is offered in 4WD, the Kia is 2WD only). We haven’t tested one yet (coming soon!), but you at least should go look at the VW ID Buzz. Yes, it’s an EV, and loaded up, it rings the bell at over $70,000, but it has style and charm you might find irresistible!
Handsome, luxurious, and impressively efficient, the 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum is the perfect people mover for those who don’t want or need an SUV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.