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While crossovers are becoming the de facto family vehicle, minivans seem to be losing some of their earlier popularity, but these space-saving machines still offer a fantastic solution for hauling multiple people and all their gear. With the debut of the 2021 Toyota Sienna, the automaker is showing that it is not ready to abandon the once popular segment. Let’s see how the new model compares to other minivans that remain on sale.
The Sienna arrives in a recently reinvigorated minivan market. Both the Honda Odyssey and the Chrysler Pacifica were refreshed this year. Additionally, Kia reportedly intended to debut the new Sedona at the New York Auto Show before that event was canceled.
Powertrain
| Toyota Siena | Honda Odyssey | Chrysler Pacifica | Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | Kia Sedona | |
| Motor | 2.5-liter I4 hybrid | 3.5 liter V6 | 3.6 liter V6 | 3.6 liter V6 PHEV | 3.3 liter V6 |
| Powerful | 243 hp | 280 hp | 287 hp | 260 hp | 276 hp |
| Couple | N / A | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | N / A | 248 lb-ft |
| Transmission | N / A | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Combined fuel economy | 33 MPG (estimated) | 22 MPG | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 21 MPG |
| All-wheel drive available | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Toyota’s announcement of the 2021 Sienna only stated that the minivan used a hybrid-assist 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine developing 243 horsepower (181 kilowatts). The company did not disclose the pair or provide transmission details.
While the 2021 Sienna has the least power in the segment, the company expects it to have the greatest fuel economy. Toyota estimates the hybrid to deliver 33 miles per gallon combined for the front-drive model.
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Toyota will continue to offer the Sienna with all-wheel drive, but the system will use new technology. Rather than a traditional transfer case to direct power to the rear wheels, the van features a separate electric motor in the rear.
Technology
| Toyota Siena | Honda Odyssey | Chrysler Pacifica | Kia Sedona | |
| Infotainment | 9.0 inch | 8.0 inch | 10.1 inches | 7.0 inch, 8.0 inch |
| Functionality | Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa | Android Auto, Apple Car Play | Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa | Android Auto, Apple Car Play |
Minivans are often family vehicles, which means there is a need to keep the kids inside safe and entertained. The Sienna comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian and low-light detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane keeping, automatic high beams, road sign assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
At nine inches, the Sienna’s infotainment screen is among the largest screens in the class, with only the Pacifica beating it. Toyota’s minivan comes standard with a six-speaker stereo, but the company offers upgrades to eight- and 12-speaker systems.
To keep people in the back entertained, there’s an optional 11.6-inch 1080p screen with an HDMI input, remote control and two wireless headphones. To keep things comfortable, the XLE trim above comes standard with four-zone automatic climate control that includes separate controls for rear passengers.
The Sienna will go on sale later this year. Toyota does not disclose pricing at this time.
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