Toyota Sienna Used Buying Guide
When looking for a used Sienna for the family, you want the best. The Sienna comes with a few generations, with a ton of year models in them. We'll be taking a look at some of the changes that were made to make sure you and your family get the best features available.
Key takeaways
- While the fourth generation has great mileage, the third generation is nothing to scoff at. It comes with some decent mileage as well, especially when it gets more modern.
- Thanks to some upgraded safety features, the fourth generation Sienna is incredibly safe.
- If you’re wanting something modern, then anything after 2015 would be a good starting area. This is when the rear entertainment system gained better features.
Fourth Generation (2021-Present)
When this generation first debuted, it had a massive surprise in store. No matter the trim, it came standard with a hybrid powertrain, making it one of the most efficient vehicles on the market. Despite this change, Toyota claims that you can still tow 3,500-pounds.
The mileage you can expect from a Sienna is 36 MPG combined, getting you 648-miles of total range. Making this model a great daily driver, and an even better family road trip vehicle.
The trim levels from this generation are the LE, XLE, Limited, XSE, and the Platinum. Some of the used models you find may come equipped with a refrigerator, or even a vacuum cleaner. While these were great features, they were ultimately discontinued due to supplier issues.
Other features that you can find are a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, four-zone climate control, a rear entertainment system, power sliding doors, and even a powered liftgate. These features make being a parent a bit easier when on the road.
Not all of the features are for creature comforts, others help keep you safe on the road. Standard features across the lineup include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
Thanks to these safety features, the Sienna was able to capture the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+. No matter the area they tested the model, it gained both “good” and “superior” ratings, making it one of the safest vehicles on the market.
The first big changes came just a year later. This brought the Woodland Edition that is based on the XLE trim. This comes with standard AWD, raised suspension, and even a tow package.
The next set of changes came for model year 2023, thus was in the form of the 25th anniversary. This was made for only 2,525 models, and came with exclusive exterior, and interior trims.
The 2024 model brought some change, but it was mainly cosmetic, and the next set of major changes came for model year 2025. This saw an updated interior, as well as a new rear seat reminder, helping you make sure everyone is out of the vehicle. This update also brought a new 12.33-inch touchscreen on most trim levels.
Third Generation (2011-2020)
When this generation came out, there were 5 trims. The trims were the base, LE, XLE, Limited, and SE. For this generation, the SE was the standout trim, because it came with a firmer suspension, and revised steering for a sportier ride.
This generation also came with a few engine options to pick from. There are the 3.5L V6, and the 2.7L I4. Being that the 2.7L was only around for one year, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a model with it. The V6 is the one that you’ll find more of.
If you’re planning on towing things with your Sienna, then you’ll need to find a model equipped with the optional tow package. This will let you tow up to 3,500-pounds. This engine also gets some decent mileage, getting 21 MPG combined, while the updated 2017 version gets 22 MPG combined.
For the first few years, the model was light on changes, but for model year 2015, the model saw a minor refresh. This came with new looks for the model, for both the interior, and exterior. The entertainment system took a step into the modern era, now coming with Blu-Ray, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Ditching the DVD and RCA jacks.
The last big change came with the 2018 model. This saw standard safety sense, better acoustic dampening that helps keep the ride quiet, and even automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.
Is the Toyota Sienna a good used minivan?
Yes, if you're looking for safety, features, or great mileage, this model has it all. If you’re wanting to see some in person, then come on down to Car2Sell in Springfield Gardens today to see what we have in stock!