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Toyota Restores Freshened-Up Appeal to the Minivan Market

Dealers in certain regions are surreptitiously adding thousands of dollars in markups to the popular minivan model, Sienna, as it leads the market in its segment.

Toyota Revamps Sienna, Boosting Competition in Minivan Market
Toyota Revamps Sienna, Boosting Competition in Minivan Market

Toyota Restores Freshened-Up Appeal to the Minivan Market

The 2025 Toyota Sienna continues to dominate the minivan market, despite a general decline in the category's popularity. This is largely due to the Sienna's strong combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, hybrid powertrain, and positive consumer ratings.

In the first half of 2022, the Sienna was the segment's top seller. Sales for the 2025 model year have seen a significant increase, with 52,762 units sold through Q2 2025, a 73.9% rise compared to the same period in 2024 (32,868 units).

One reason for the Sienna's success is its fuel-efficient 2.5-liter hybrid engine, which delivers a combined 36 mpg. This appeal extends to buyers seeking economical and environmentally friendly family vehicles. The Sienna's excellent reliability scores (5 out of 5) and strong performance and value ratings from consumers, with 100% recommending the vehicle, further boost its appeal.

Compared to competitors like the 2025 Honda Odyssey, the Sienna's hybrid drivetrain and dependable reputation make it uniquely attractive, especially for buyers prioritizing fuel economy and long-term ownership costs. The Sienna's well-rounded package, including standard hybrid technology and a smooth CVT transmission, meets the needs of modern families seeking efficiency without sacrificing versatility or comfort.

The Sienna offers a spacious interior, with 34 cu.-ft. (963 L) of cargo space behind the third row, and around 101 cu.-ft. (2,860 L) with the folding second row down. It also provides up to 8-passenger seating, with the second-row seats sliding on a 25-inch track for adjustable legroom.

However, the Sienna's egress to the second row is slightly smaller with the sliding door open compared to the Odyssey's. The middle row is not removable like the Odyssey's, and some buyers might find this a disadvantage.

The Sienna's rear hatch and side sliding doors come with automatic foot-opening sensors, making access easier. The Sienna XLE, one of the trims of the 2026 Sienna, features an 8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch multimedia display in higher trims, along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system with a 11.6-inch roof-mounted drop-down screen.

Toyota's Advanced Rear Seat Reminder (ARSR) system is designed to prevent hot-car incidents. Using millimeter-wave radar, the ARSR detects movement in the second and third rows after locking, and escalates warnings with hazard lights, horn, automated SMS/app/push call notifications (via Toyota's Safety Connect subscription service) to prevent such incidents. However, some Sienna owners have reported false alarms with the ARSR, with the system activating even when no one is in the backseat.

In summary, the 2025 Toyota Sienna's blend of hybrid efficiency, reliability, and value keeps it highly popular and the top seller in its class, even as the minivan segment shrinks overall.

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