2018 Toyota Sienna Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Refined ride quality imparts comfort and confidence
- V6 provides class-leading acceleration
- Still the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive
Cons
- Second-row seats are bulky, heavy and awkward to remove
- Offers fewer features than some newer competitors
What’s new
For 2018, the Sienna gets a handful of key updates, including the Safety Sense package on all trim levels, updated Entune infotainment software, additional USB ports for rear passengers, and slightly revised front-end styling.
Vehicle overview
For many people, the stigma of owning a minivan is too much to bear. Instead, they turn their focus to the latest crossover SUV. Shame really, since the minivan remains one of the most sensible ways to move your family around. Sliding side doors, easy entry into all three rows, and massive passenger and cargo space just make life easier. Crossovers have their own charms, but they can't beat the overall versatility and sensibility of vans such as the 2018 Toyota Sienna.
The Sienna was last redesigned in 2010, but annual updates keep it competitive against newer minivan rivals. For 2018, the Sienna gets a handful of key updates. Notably, Toyota now includes its Safety Sense package on all trim levels and no longer as an options group on midlevel and upper trims. These are key safety and driver aids, too, and include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
While the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey and Kia Sedona all boast newer and more modern designs, the Sienna continues to be a solid pick for a versatile family hauler.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota Sienna as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium (3.5L V6 | 8-speed automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Sienna has received revisions that include the addition of driver and safety aids such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control on all trim levels, not just midlevel or top trims. Infotainment software has also been updated, and SE and Limited trims receive upgraded glass for a quieter cabin. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Sienna.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.1 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.0 |
| Comfort | 7.5 |
| Interior | 7.5 |
| Utility | 8.0 |
| Technology | 6.0 |
Driving
7.0A strong V6 makes the Sienna the quickest minivan on the market. The engine isn't terribly responsive in normal driving, and ample body roll reveals itself on curvy roads, but most minivan drivers should find it tolerable.
Comfort
7.5The seats are initially comfortable and supportive, but long stints reveal pressure points. The ride is serene, though considerable levels of road and wind noise disrupt an otherwise relaxed experience. The climate controls work well to keep the entire cabin at a pleasant temperature.
Interior
7.5The Sienna offers great visibility and, unsurprisingly for a minivan, excellent points of entry and exit for all seats. There's a surprising lack of headroom in the second and third rows due to the tapered roofline, but the most egregious oversight has to be the Sienna's poorly arranged controls.
Utility
8.0The Sienna's cargo capacity behind the third row is expansive. The power-folding seat controls are located on a panel just below the top of the hatch; it's easy to knock your forehead against it while loading cargo. The front door pockets are low and hard to reach.
Technology
6.0The user interface is intuitive, although the touchscreen interface is unappealing. Upgrades such as more USB ports and standard driver safety features for 2018 are welcome.
Which Sienna does Edmunds recommend?
Although a midgrade model, the Sienna LE has most of the minivan essentials (tri-zone climate control, power driver seat and easy-clean fabric upholstery) and optional all-wheel drive. But unless you absolutely need wet-weather capability, go for the SE. It has worthwhile upgrades, such as sportier styling, leather upholstery, a power liftgate and firmer suspension tuning. The latter makes the SE the best-handling Sienna. There is a small trade-off in ride quality, but we prefer the SE's more in-control feel.
2018 Toyota Sienna models
The 2018 Toyota Sienna minivan comes in five main trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The SE, XLE, and Limited are further available in Premium subtrims. All Sienna trims come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (296 horsepower, 263 pound-feet of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The LE and XLE come in seven- and eight-passenger configurations: The L and Limited versions are seven-passenger only, and the SE is eight-passenger only.