First Look Review: The 2024 Toyota Sienna (Hybrid) is a complete family mobile

Update: ‘Price’ section revised.

SUVs may have become the first choice of most American families requiring a three-row vehicle for seven or eight occupants, but minivans are still relevant to a large buyer demographic.

The hybrid-only 2024 Toyota Sienna is one of these models making that argument, offering great space and fuel efficiency for much less money than, say, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The new hybrid minivan was on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where I had to chance to experience its space and comfort, and check out the features.

Design

Carrying the same design since 2020, the 2024 Toyota Sienna gets no body changes. However, seeing it in person in Los Angeles, the Shinkansen bullet train-inspired front still appears fresh and appealing. The design subtly incorporates elements of SUV ruggedness, yet in a manner that preserves the vehicle’s streamlined shape and elegance.

I found the sleek greenhouse and muscular haunches on the sides and the visibly sculpted tailgate at the back also quite attractive. If you were to ask me, the side profile is the best angle of this hybrid minivan. In my opinion, neither the Kia Carnival nor the Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers an exterior with such a balance of boldness and gracefulness.

Interior

Getting in and out of the 2024 Sienna takes little effort, thanks to its sedan-like ground clearance, and SUV-like doors. Inside, I like the design of the fluidic dashboard and the bridge-type center console and the abundance of analog controls, including buttons, toggle switches, and knobs. I’ll have to admit, though, that the Kia Carnival looked more modern here because of its fully digital instrument cluster, more premium trim materials, and many more aesthetic and touchpoint differences.

Although not unusual for a minivan, I found it convenient that Toyota has equipped the 2024 Sienna with many cubbies and storage spaces. Notably, the large hollow space beneath the bridge-style center console was quite handy, easily accommodating a small grocery bag or a handbag.

The storage box under the center console armrest can fit a mirrorless camera bag or a collection of small children’s books. I also appreciated Toyota offering seven USB ports—as many as in the Grand Highlander Hybrid—and 18 cupholders—5 more than in the Grand Highlander Hybrid—in the cabin. These features greatly improve the Sienna’s practicality and family-friendliness.

An area I felt the 2024 Sienna certainly has room for improvement in is infotainment. I missed the slick 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen unit that’s available in the brand’s more recent models, including the Grand Highlander Hybrid.

The 9-inch Audio Plus touchscreen infotainment system in the Sienna, unlike the aforementioned newer unit, lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility and supports only their wired versions. When I used this system, I noticed that it isn’t slow or laggy, but it’s not as smooth as the Texas-developed Toyota Audio Multimedia System, and its UI feels dated.

I found the heated steering wheel right-sized and, thanks to the power tilt and telescoping column, easy to adjust, too. Exterior visibility was great, but I observed that the roof-mounted 11.6-inch HD screen of the entertainment system was obstructing my rear view when it was tilted down for use. Thus, I strongly recommend having the digital IRVM, which is available in the Limited and Platinum grades.

I think the entertainment system has a decent display and offers good connectivity solutions. Thanks to an available 120-volt AC power outlet in the back, I like the fact that I can even hook up a PlayStation 5 and enjoy games on the go. However, I think it’s a little complicated for children and that a tablet attached to the headrests in front of them would be easier to use and more comfortable to view.

Moving to space and comfort, as a six-foot-tall person, I found ingress easy. I had ample headroom and legroom in the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. I’m happy to report that Toyota does offer an option to specify this seat with heating, ventilation, and memory functions. I felt that under-thigh support was sufficient for me, but taller drivers with longer legs may find the cushion a little short.

During my experience with the 2024 Toyota Sienna, I felt that the kick-open function for the sliding side doors would particularly be handy. If I were to approach the second row with a bag in one hand and a device in the other, this feature would allow for effortless entry.

Similarly, I can close the door with the same gesture upon exiting. This functionality struck me as useful for everyday scenarios, such as when carrying multiple grocery bags and needing hands-free access.

The 2024 Sienna is available with a bench for three passengers or two captain’s chairs with a super-long-slide feature and ottomans in the second row. Toyota had appointed this particular sample with the latter, albeit without ottomans. Here, too, I had a ton of legroom, headroom, and knee room and decent under-thigh support. I do wish that the armrests of the captain’s chairs were wider and a little longer and that the recline angle of their backrests was higher, though. I found egress in the second row was just as easy as ingress.

Ingress in the third row was also relatively easy, as sliding forward the captain’s chair very close to the front seat backrest freed up plenty of space to step in. The floor wasn’t too high, so I didn’t need to bend too much. That was a good thing for comfort, too, as my knees weren’t high up like in a similarly-priced three-row crossover.

The third row featured a 60/40 split bench seat that could be stowed almost flat into the floor. I had average legroom and knee room in the third row, and the headroom was also sufficient, with about half an inch gap left between my head and the roof. The third row was wide enough for three children to sit comfortably, but it’s not for three tall adults like me.

This particular Sienna had a power tailgate, which customers can optionally equip with hands-free operation. When I opened it, I saw that the minivan’s 33.5 cu. ft. cargo area behind the third row was quite deep. Folding all the rear seats gives 101 cu. ft. of cargo volume in the hybrid minivan. A tire repair kit is standard, but a spare tire is available optionally. The latter is very easy to access and remove, as it comes attached to the left side of the body in the cargo area.

Driving Impressions

There are no mechanical changes in the 2024 Toyota Sienna. It employs a 2.5-liter gas engine, which is assisted by an electric motor, or two electric motors if specified in AWD. Needless to say, an eCVT sends drive to the front wheels, while the rear wheels in the AWD configurations are powered by the second electric motor. The hybrid system generates 245 horsepower and provides the minivan with an impressive EPA-est. combined fuel economy of 36 MPG (FWD)/35 MPG (AWD).

Gauging from the experience behind the wheel of previous model years, the Toyota Sienna’s powertrain can be quite noisy, particularly when accelerating inconsistently. The driver needs to carefully observe the traffic ahead and plan overtakes to keep the powertrain calm. Acceleration isn’t exciting, while it’s unfair to expect that in a vehicle of this type and class, non-hybrid rivals have exhibited much better performance.

That said, the current model is fairly engaging to drive for a vehicle of its size, and offers a smooth ride. Plus, with increased ground clearance as part of the MY2024 updates (in the Woodland Edition), it can be driven on speed bumps and dirt roads with more confidence.

Ideas for the future Sienna

I think it’s about time the Sienna switched to the new 2.4-liter hybrid system employed in the Grand Highlander. While it’s uncertain if Toyota will make this change, an upgrade to the cabin plastics seems necessary to improve the overall feel. It’s also certain that future versions of the hybrid minivan will transition to the snappy and modern Toyota Audio Multimedia system. However, I don’t expect major revisions before the facelift, which, luckily, could be due in 2025.

Price

The 2024 Toyota Sienna’s prices range between USD 37,185 and USD 52,645. A USD 1,395 DPH fee is applicable over the MSRP across the range. Toyota Motor North America would have higher expectations from the Sienna in 2024. Last year, the electrified minivan did 66,547 units, a 4.6 percent YoY sales reduction compared to 2022.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Toyota Sienna is a stylish, efficient, versatile, and comfortable minivan, that’s priced within reach.

2024 Toyota Sienna FAQs

This story has contributions from our reader.