Driving this 2020 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium reminds me that a long time has passed since I thought minivans were lame. Already by my late 20s, I understood the convenience of the body style. Sure, SUVs looked cooler—they mostly still do—but now that I have kids, a minivan feels like a must. Truck-like utility, car-like ride, decent power and enough space to keep the kids from kicking your seat? It’s all I need.
Full disclosure: My wife just leased a Chrysler Pacifica Limited, which is a similar trim level to this Toyota Sienna XLE Premium. And the two cost within a few hundred bucks of each other. Moreover, they both have V6 power (the Sienna makes 296 hp, the Pacifica 287 hp). Considering that, comparing my wife’s Pacifica with the Sienna feels appropriate. And, just for argument’s sake, the Honda Odyssey makes 280 hp from its 3.5-liter V6.
Bottom line: The Sienna is a good van. You get a nice moonroof, three-zone climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and plenty of ways to connect your smartphone. Additionally, the cabin is quiet and the powertrain peppy. That said, I prefer the Pacifica. The Sienna’s 3.5-liter V6, for example, is plenty for everyday driving (heck, it’s as quick as Mustangs from my childhood), but it doesn’t run as smoothly or quietly as the Pacifica’s. Furthermore, when you rev the Toyota V6, shifts sound a little gravelly from the driver’s seat. Maybe it needs more sound deadening.
Age is playing a part here: This third-generation Sienna has been on sale since 2010, which is ancient even with periodic improvements. Its most recent refresh in 2019 brought the option of all-wheel drive, more standard safety features, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration, the Sienna’s second row slides fore and aft 23 inches, making for tons of legroom in either the third or the second row. And, depending on setup, the Sienna can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.
For the kids, the Toyota has both a “conversation mirror” aimed at back passengers and an optional Driver Easy Speak feature that projects the driver’s voice over the speaker system: “Stop hitting your brother!”
It’s a fine van, but I think the Pacifica wins in looks, powertrain and interior accoutrement, which is basically everything. I suppose you have Toyota reliability. But I suggest you drive the Pacifica and Honda Odyssey before buying.
2020 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium Specs
On Sale: Now
Base Price: $44,780 As-Tested Price: $45,495
Options: Four-season floor mats ($438); mudguards ($149); door edge guard ($79); cargo net ($49)
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6, eight-speed automatic, AWD
Output: 296 hp @ 6,600 rpm; 263 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
Length/Width/Height: 192.1/72.4/56.9 inches
Curb Weight: 4,590 lbs
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 18/24/20 mpg
Pros: You can yell at your kids through the stereo
Cons: Not as refined as the newer Chrysler Pacifica
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