In an automotive world dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the minivan still reigns supreme for families that prioritize space, comfort, and efficiency. And after logging more than 800 miles round-trip from Atlanta to Orlando for my daughter’s volleyball tournament, the 2025 Toyota Sienna reminded me why this segment still deserves your attention.
As a longtime fan of minivans for practical family life, I can confidently say that Toyota's hybrid-powered Sienna continues to offer an innovative, reliable, and family-first experience, though not without a few quirks worth noting.
Around Town with Three Generations
Before we hit the highway, I spent a few days driving the Sienna around metro Atlanta. I took my 87-year-old father and my brother on some errands, and the Sienna’s ease of access was immediately appreciated. Ingress and egress were a breeze for my dad thanks to the low step-in height, sliding rear doors, and wide openings. My brother enjoyed the second-row captain’s chairs, which offer generous legroom, easy recline functionality, and plenty of adjustability. Around-town driving was smooth, with light steering, excellent visibility, and a commanding but not overbearing seating position.
Fuel economy was another early win—I was averaging an impressive 30 mpg in city driving, and that carried over impressively once we hit the road.
Loaded Up for Orlando
When it was time to head south for the AAU Volleyball Finals, the Sienna took on its most important role: family road trip hauler. We packed for four days with ease—the cargo area handled all of our bags and still had room for more. Storage throughout the cabin is well thought out, with bins, cubbies, cupholders, and charging ports in all the right places. My daughter had her tablet, my wife had hers, and even I had space for my recording gear and personal items.
The wireless charging pad actually worked (a rare feat among factory setups), and there were more than enough USB ports for everyone. The Sienna nails the tech layout when it comes to keeping a modern family connected.
Comfort and Ergonomics on the Road
For the drive down, my daughter rode in the second-row captain’s chairs, but on the return trip, she opted for the third row. Why? She realized she could stretch her legs across the bench and found it more relaxing—proof that the third row isn’t just for kids or emergencies. And with Toyota’s flat floor and generous legroom, it’s genuinely usable for extended rides.
One detail I initially misunderstood—the center console armrest—deserves a re-evaluation. During the long drive, I found that it began to irritate my elbow. Initially, I assumed the discomfort was due to inadequate padding, but I later realized it stemmed from the armrest’s narrow width. That design choice isn’t a flaw—it’s intentional. The slim profile allows constant access to the center console storage without forcing the driver or front passenger to shift position. When my wife reached into the console while I was driving, I didn’t need to move my arm at all. That kind of subtle functionality reduces distractions and makes long-distance travel more convenient. It’s a thoughtful design, even if it takes some getting used to.
There were a couple of areas where the Sienna fell short. The A/C never quite felt ice cold—adequate, but not refreshing, especially during Florida’s summer heat. I also missed ventilated seats, which would’ve made the ride much more comfortable. If the budget allows, I strongly recommend stepping up to the Platinum trim level, which includes ventilated front seats, a larger panoramic roof, premium audio, and a more refined interior experience that enhances long road trips.
The steering assist with radar cruise control was a bit of a mixed bag. While the adaptive cruise managed speed and distance well—even on inclines—the lane-centering function felt unsteady, often struggling to stay confidently within the lines. After several hours behind the wheel, I became aware of some design compromises: the wheel well intrudes noticeably into the driver’s footwell, and the floor mat tie-down is awkwardly positioned, making foot movement uncomfortable during long stretches.
Still, the fuel economy more than makes up for the few gripes. We made it to Orlando on a single tank, averaging 30 mpg on the highway. That meant no waiting in the long gas lines at Buc-ee’s—just the lines for snacks, souvenirs, and about $50 worth of completely unnecessary trinkets.
Style and Family-Friendly Tech
Toyota did a nice job with the Sienna’s styling—especially with the blacked-out wheels and trim on this model. It won’t win awards for being flashy, but it turned more heads than I expected. The kick-activated sliding doors and power liftgate were incredibly useful when our hands were full (which was most of the time).
Inside, the infotainment system is functional and easy to use. The surround sound stereo impressed my wife, and the controls are intuitive enough that you’re not buried in submenus while trying to change a setting at 70 mph.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Sienna doesn’t try to be something it’s not—and that’s part of its strength. It’s a purpose-built family vehicle, and it does that job incredibly well. It’s spacious, efficient, and thoughtful in its design. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough that most families will find it checks all the boxes they care about.
If you’re considering the Sienna, don’t hesitate to go for the Platinum trim level if you can afford it. The added comfort features make long hauls more enjoyable, and the hybrid powertrain provides excellent mileage without compromising on space or practicality.
Minivans may not be trendy—but if you value comfort, space, and real-world usability, the 2025 Sienna makes a compelling case for why they still matter.
2025 Toyota Sienna Trim Level Buyer’s Guide
