A minivan that can replace just about anything. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – August 1, 2022 2022 Toyota Sienna XSE A good looking profile. The Sienna carry’s on as one of my favorite Toyota’s after it received the excellent Camry Hybrid 2.5L I4 Drivetrain in 2021. That means it provides owners with an unbelievable 36/36/36 mpgUS (city/highway/combined) EPA rating which is incredible for a 7/8 passenger minivan that tips the scales at over 4,600 lbs. and can tow up to 3,500 lbs! The AWD variants provide a 35/35/36 mpgUS (city/highway/combined) EPA rating. While I have only driven the 4th gen Sienna for short distances at a multitude of Toyota events in California and Texas, the efficiency, comfort, and interior volume are the real deal while not feeling like you are driving a full-sized pickup. Like the RAV4 Prime and Highlander hybrid however, the Hybridized 2.5L may be a bit stressed at the limits to move the mass of this full-size minivan with much mor than 3 and an abundance of cargo onboard. As we have hashed out here at CleanMPG after its release for the 21 MY, the second-row seats are not removable, and the 3rd row does not fold seamlessly into the floor, so a flat rear cargo load surface is not in the cards. Trying to schedule a Sienna review for its Speed vs FE graph and impressions has been a challenge as three times in the past 5 months we have had one coming only to see its availability vanish at the last second for a multitude of reasons. One of them being my own scheduling conflict. 2022 Toyota Sienna Details The 4th gen Toyota Sienna was a long time coming as the third gen was introduced way back in 2010 as a 2011 model and carried on with refreshes through 2020. That is a long run. For 2021, they moved the bar with the addition of Toyota’s award-winning 2.5L Camry Hybrid drivetrain which today not only powers the Camry, it powers the soon to be defunct Avalon, upcoming Crown, RAV4 HEV/PHEV, Venza, Lexus ES and NX HEVs. There is a reason as it is not only reasonably powerful, but also world class efficient. The Sienna can be equipped with kick-open and closed sliding side doors and rear gate, a four-zone climate control, heated second-row sliding captain’s chairs with ottomans, power tilt and telescoping heated wheel, digital rear-view mirror, 10” HUD and 12-speaker JBL Audio. 2022 Toyota Sienna Exterior Design The fourth-gen Sienna was designed in America by CALTY’s Newport Beach, CA and Ann Arbor, MI studios. Built upon the TNGA-K Platform, it is anything but a boxy minivan. The front design was inspired by the Bullet Train with a lower grille contrasted by slim LED fogs. The XSE (hero photo above) adds the fuel robbing 20” 5 alloys and great looking front and rear bumper fascia’s. And a under the radar "feature" that I think is more than noteworthy, the ground clearance for the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum is 6.3 in. while the woodland is 6.9 in. That may not mean much to most but in my own family, Marian scrapes the corners on curbs and other things far more often then I care to admit. Its 5.3 in. certainly reduces the overall Cd and the frontal area slightly but damn, when you are constantly repairing scraped front fascia corners, even an inch should help. 2022 Toyota Sienna Interior Design With over 10 years to redesign, Toyota did well to make this new minivan drive more like a midsize car than a full-size truck which it happens to be larger than. Consider that its passenger volume of 162.5 cu. ft. and cargo volume behind the third, second, and first row of 33.5/75.2/101.0 cu. ft. respectively is larger than most any passenger vehicle including pickups! Behind the third row. The Bridge Console is ergonomically positioned high between the driver and passenger for ease of use. 18 standard cup holders, available wireless Qi charger, and ample storage bins for smaller items add to its capability while the large open area under the front of the bridge can easily store a purse or bag. An available “Super Long Slide” <-- Not my words - second-row captain chairs slide an incredible long 25 inches, providing unprecedented legroom and flexibility to maximize comfort, especially when used with the available ottoman feature. With all the features, the best seats of any row in the segment! The Sienna LE and some XLEs come equipped in 8-seat configuration with a somewhat stowable middle seat. Some XLE models, as well as the XSE, Limited and Platinum are seven-seat models featuring the Super Long Slide second-row captain’s chairs with the Limited and Platinum FWD models equipped with ottomans. A standard backup camera features projected path, while higher grade models have a wide-angle monitor to show even more of what is behind. An available digital rear-view mirror makes all interior obstructions disappear with a rear camera showing the rear view. The digital mirror also integrates a HomeLink® transceiver to conveniently operate garage doors and other compatible devices. An available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan provides a live, 360-degree view to help the driver to see potential obstacles. This is especially critical for seeing children or small animals that might be close to the vehicle. 2022 Toyota Sienna Trim Interior(s) LE XLE XSE Limited Platinum looking back at the “Ahhh” Captain’s Chairs. 2022 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Drivetrain The Sienna hybrid powertrain delivers 245 total hp and an EPA estimated 36/353 MPG in FWD/AWD configurations. With its 18-gallon fuel tank, the Sienna offers more than 600 miles of driving range. The 2.5L I4 with a 14:1 compression ratio provides an incredibly efficient 41 percent thermal efficiency. This is due to Toyota’s D4-S fuel injection, Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent System by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft, a variable cooling system (electric water pump and electric thermostat), and a fully variable oil pump. The AWD Sienna is available on all trims and uses a separate electric motor out back to power the rear wheels. That small motor sends up to 80 percent of the driving force to the rear wheels during launch. Torque distribution then varies with conditions from front to rear at 100:0 in constant-speed driving to 20:80 on slippery surfaces. Unique to the AWD, it also provides a smaller turning radius of 38.3 ft. vs 39.2 ft. for the std. FWD configurations. What’s more, all versions of the 2021 Sienna are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds! 2022 Toyota Sienna Trim Packages Options are conveniently grouped for the LE Plus, XLE Plus and XSE Plus packages. The Limited and Platinum grades have no packages but do offer two factory options: Digital Rearview Mirror and 1080p HD Entertainment Center with 11.6-in. display, HDMI input, remote control and two wireless headphones (also optional on XLE and XSE). A 1,500-watt inverter is also available for XLE grade and above. The XSE and Platinum trims fill their wheel wells with standard fuel robbing 20” alloys with P235/50R20 tires for the FWD – the first-ever 20” wheels on a Sienna while the Limited FWD grade arrives with 18” alloys, standard. 2022 Toyota Sienna Infotainment Sienna offers (seven USB ports, available Wi-Fi, optional JBL 1,200-watt amp/12-speaker Premium Audio and 1080p HD rear entertainment system). The std. Toyota Audio (standard on LE): includes a 9-in central touchscreen, 6 speakers, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay & Amazon Alexa, 7 USB media ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth, SiriusXM and Wi-Fi Connect. Toyota Audio Plus (standard on the XLE and optional for LE): adds AM/FM/HD radio, 8 speakers, Siri Eyes Free and Safety Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation (standard on XSE) adds an embedded Navi. Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL Premium Audio (standard on Limited and Platinum, optional for XLE and XSE) adds 12 speakers including subwoofer and 1,200-watt amplification, plus Clari-Fi digital restoration technology. 2022 Toyota Sienna Safety The TNGA-K Platform is equipped with 2nd gen Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), a comprehensive active safety system that includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist Lane Trace Assist Automatic High Beams Road Sign Assist Pre-Collision System (PCS) Pedestrian Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) The Sienna includes 10 airbags: driver and front passenger; driver’s knee; passenger seat cushion; front seat sides; rear outboard seat sides, plus curtain side airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Toyota takes safety a step further with features like a rear passenger seatbelt reminder and electric parking brake (EPB) – as well as a new feature called Rear Seat Reminder. 2022 Toyota Sienna Pricing LE (FWD/AWD 8-passenger) - $35,285/$37,285 XLE (FWD 8-passenger) - $40,575 XLE (FWD/AWD 7-passenger) - $40,575/$42,575 XSE (FWD/AWD 7-passenger) - $42,825/$43,585 Woodland XLE (AWD 7-passenger) - $46,075 Limited (FWD/AWD 7-passenger) - $47,525/$49,525 Platinum (FWD/AWD 7-passenger) - $50,725/$51,485 D&H = $1,335 The 2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition includes the following features: Built on XLE AWD Standard Electronic AWD with increased ground clearance Available in Exclusive Cement Color or Midnight Black Metallic Black sport trimmed interior (similar to XSE black) with unique earth tone stitch color 18" wheels Dark chrome accents Black badging XSE Plus Package Standard 1500W capable power outlet Standard Tow Hitch with 3500 lb. Towing Capability Standard Roof Rails with Crossbars All trims receive the following for 2022: 18" optional wheel for XLE Ottomans available on Platinum/Limited AWD Standard rear seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters 2022 Toyota Sienna Warranty Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The HV battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable across ownership. The 2022 Sienna also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, regardless of mileage. 2022 Toyota Sienna XLE The trim I would buy if I were buying today. Albeit in a different color of course! 2022 Toyota Sienna Early Conclusions On a shorter 10-mile RT drive loop around my previous hometown of Carlsbad, CA, a 2022 Sienna XLE provided an indicated 51 mpg. Despite not having a flat load floor once the bench seats were stowed, it could still carry anything I would normally carry. Missing is TSS 3.0 and the latest Radio Head units with a much more reliable wired or wireless AA and ACP. Whether used for an expanding family, a van sized courier vehicle or even as an XL rideshare vehicle, the Sienna would be at the top of my list given its exemplary fuel efficiency and bulletproof reliability. Any early conclusion of mine however may be biased as I was once the owner of the modern for its day, 94 Toyota Previa minivan with a 2.4L I4 rated at 19/23 mpg city/highway on the old EPA, 17/21 mpgUS today. It routinely provided 25+ mpg highway when loaded to the headliner and my family of 5 onboard. It was a hell of an addition to our family way back in the day and moving to the modern era, my youngest son is trying to pick up a 2022 Toyota Sienna XLE as I type.
Hi All: Here are some insider details on how the Sienna helps those in need. Craig Payne, Toyota Motor North America Product Development Chief Engineer, on how the Sienna provides mobility for all. We sat down with the Toyota Motor North America product development chief engineer who oversees the development of the Sienna, to learn how our customers influence the creation of our vehicles and how our engineers provide them with the independence and flexibility that they have come to expect. Tell us about your work at Toyota. What role does the customer play in the engineering and product development process? What are the features customers want most in future vehicles? What excites you most about vehicle developments with the customer in mind? Are there other new features in the Sienna that customers may not have noticed but help make their lives easier? One of the most significant new features on the Sienna is that it is exclusively a hybrid. Tell us a little about that engineering process.
I was hot to get the new 4th gen Sienna when they first came out. I test drove one and liked it a lot. It was very smooth and seemed to have more oomph than it's power-to-weight ratio would suggest. The 2nd row seats do not remove, however, owing to the engineering decision to put airbags in those seats. This really hurts the overall utility because those seats take up a lot of cargo room. The seats can be removed with tools and some help and you'll have to come up with some resistors and connectors to quash the constant SRS alarm. If I had bought it I think I would remove the 2nd and 3rd row seats as the 3rd row doesn't fold very well into their stations and they flop around on bumps because they don't lock down into the folded position. In the end, I decided to pass on the Sienna because it was just a bit too big to fit into my 1-car garage with the motorcycle in there too. When I was looking hard at the Sienna they were fairly abundant and available, then the semiconductor shortage hit and they got scarce as hens teeth. Don't know if that's still the situation or not. They are made in the US, I think.
My neighbors have one of these, and they absolutely love it. A bit ginormous for my taste, but sounds like the ultimate minivan for those into such things. Kudos to Toyota for finally bringing it here as a hybrid (although in fairness, it's been available as a hybrid Japan for nearly twenty years, and they have several smaller hybrid minivans as well) - and for making it hybrid only. Your turn, Honda. Time to see if your series-hybrid architecture will scale up beyond the Accord and CR-V.
Hi Jay: I assume you were looking at the 8 passenger LE/XLE trims with the bench seats when you were considering the stowable seats, right? Did you consider the 7-passenger trims with the super long-slide feature captains chairs by chance? Did those captain chairs not slide forward enough? Like you, useable cargo volume is a huge deal to me. Toyota only broke out that cargo volume behind the third/second/first row generically at 33.5/75.2/101.0 cu. ft. respectively. 2022 Toyota Sienna Super long-slide feature captains chairs stretched out for max comfort. Closeup of the 33.5 cu. ft. of cargo area behind the 3rd row. Toyota conveniently did not post any of the cargo pics with the seats stowed and captain chairs slid forward or the 2nd row split bench with the center seat stowed. Wayne
Wayne, right. I wanted the bottom LE trim, but no matter the trim level; the non-removable 2nd row severely impacts utility when you want to run across town and pick up that craigslist sofa that would tie together the downstairs so nicely. And that's what mini-vans are supposed to do and that's what their customers expect them to do. Chrysler Pacifica has the goods in that respect. Sienna no. However, the Sienna has the goods in fuel economy and a reliable, durable hybrid drivetrain. Pacifica no. Obviously, Toyota has aimed the Sienna at folks that haul people rather than stuff primarily. For me, I wanted just the opposite and the 2nd row seat was only one obstacle. The 3rd row folded is very lumpy and bumpy and good luck pushing heavy cargo past it. Both rows would have to come out for me and then I'd have the problem of storing the seats. In the meantime, Hyundai introduced the hybrid Tucson and that was more right-sized for my needs and they made the sale. I was an avid reader of Sienna Chat forum and early on there was quite a bit of consternation that Toyota had dumped the V6 in favor of the hybrid only 4cyl drivetrain. In so doing, Toyota gave up the most powerful engine in the segment for the least powerful and the "MO POWA!" folks were very unhappy. Course now, it's probably crickets out of that crowd. Props to Toyota for giving their customers what they needed instead of what they thought they wanted in that respect.
Great write-up Wayne. We thought about buying one about a month ago. Zero in stock, 4-6 month wait (or more)if ordering and 4K above sticker. Hope your son has better luck finding one. We did test drive a 2021 with 10k miles, and it was priced 4k above original sticker. Seemed like a great car. Please post yours son's luck on buying one.
There is a father-son team on Youtube that discuss auto sales and the automotive market. They sometimes have guest speakers on the channel. One recent guest was a manager from a Toyota dealer in Canada. He said up there, they have a two year wait for the Sienna - longer than for the pickups. He also said Toyota is holding dealers to a high standard for customer communications - meaning they want salespeople to contact customers periodically to advise on where they are in the order process and to make sure they know Toyota hasn't forgotten about them. Translation - don't let the fish wiggle off the hook while he's dangling there for two years because they haven't yet built the bucket to hold him after you reel him in. The Canadian Toyota dealer said demand for Toyota hybrids is off the charts as fuel prices doubled in the last year or so, and Toyota can't build enough of them.
Another nice feature of the Sienna that isn't often mentioned is that the engine looks easy to work on and everything is easy to get to. I think the hood is aluminum. It's short and easy to lift. Once open, the 4 is there sideways with plenty of room around it for access. This is a big contrast to a transversely mounted six. The power-split hybrid transmission is compact with no belts and no transfer case for the 4wd version. There's just electrical cables running to the electric motor at the rear. I think the 4wd is a no-brainer. It's not expensive and doesn't add much weight and has negligible fuel economy penalty.
If it's like the old AWD model, the AWD means losing the spare tire. Friend has that one, and they didn't like the run-flat tires Toyota equipped it with.
I didn't see whether AWD necessitates losing the spare tire option, so it could be... https://www.toyota.com/content/dam/toyota/brochures/pdf/2022/sienna_ebrochure.pdf A tire repair kit is standard across all trims, but the spare tire is also an option across all trims. (don't know if AWD option removes possibility of spare tire) My 2018 Bolt EV had self-sealing tires. They weren't bad. Fortunately, I never had to test them. On the other hand, I've had to fix many flats on the Prius Prime, and there's no spare tire. Run flats would have been nice, but more costly to replace.
Run flats tend to be heavier. Toyota likely went with the repair kit for better EPA numbers with the new Sienna. The AWD Prius lost the spare because the rear motor alternator went into the spare wheel well, and that is a tiny, low power system. Toyota got clever with the spare placement in the new Sienna. I'm guessing you lose a storage cubby in the back with the spare, but it is an option for AWD models too.
Looks like a very tiny spare. Should do the job in a pinch. Not available or useful with AWD, right? The woodland & off the beaten path folk must be disappointed, or in for a surprise.
Toyota's site has the spare listed as an option for the AWD models. The old AWD models didn't have a spare because the mechanical system blocked access to the spare's spot. It was hung up underneath, like a pick up, though in the middle instead of the rear. I thought the AWD Sienna not having a spare was well known. It's been that way since before deleting the spare became vogue. So those looking for something for light off road use would know to check. Other minivans also place the spare into the side wall of the cargo area. The Pacifica has a collapsible spare in that space. Guess those are higher cost, but gives you something closer to full size when needed.
My weapon of choice for "light off road use" is one of my mountain bikes. And I carry a spare inner tube and a pump.