All trims benefit from new seats, console and a revised dashboard. A Platinum trim, with a head up display system and a refrigerator, is noew for 2025. The XSE, Limited and Platinum feature a digital gauge package and a 12.3 inch infotainment screen. An advanced occupation detection system for the second and third row seat using a 60 GHz radar system to detect whether any occupants are about to be left in the van.

Driven briefly, the Sienna is a pleasant enough people mover. The hybrid powertrain is quick enough and impressively economical but is very noisy when accelerating with any vigour, with the transitions from hybrid to gas-power modes quite loud. While light, the steering is quick and accurate and handling is predictable, especially considering the absorbent ride. Road noise could be better suppressed but wind noise is hardly noticeable. The Sienna cruises quietly but lacks refinement at most other times.

Like the new Venza, the Sienna is built on the Toyota’s TNGA-K platform. Sadly, Toyota’s punchy 3.5L V6 is no longer available. Given the chronic shortage of hybrid powertrains on the RAV4, it is surprising that Toyota has chosen hybrid power exclusively for the latest version of its minivan. Though the new Venza has migrated to a Lithium-Ion battery pack, Toyota has retained its proven Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack for the Sienna. The 2.5L gasoline four and electric motors combine to produce 245 total system horsepower. Power reaches the front wheels via a CVT automatic; on all-wheel drive models, power is delivered to the rear wheels by electric motors. Properly equipped, the new Sienna can tow up to 1590 kilograms (3500 lbs.).

Toyota’s comprehensive Safety-Sense 2.0 collision avoidance system is standard. Automatic braking while in reverse is included on premium trims. The minivan is equipped with middle-row side airbags, a driver’s side knee airbag and an airbag embedded in the front passenger seat-cushion. The Sienna is fronted by a slim grille that sits above a massive air intake. The side profile has more character than the outgoing model, with prominent blisters surrounding the rear wheels, like Toyota’s Highlander. Dimensions are essentially unchanged from the last Sienna. The driver faces clearly-marked analogue gauges. A large free-standing infotainment screen resides at the top centre of the dashboard under which there are straightforward climate controls. Minivan owners appreciate a sense of openness, so it is odd to see Toyota crowd the once-clear space with a wide, high-mounted centre console that would be more appropriate to a sports car. The rest of the cabin design is sober and traditional, and the interior fittings look more upscale than the last-generation Sienna.

The Sienna LE and XLE seat eight, whereas premium trims accept seven occupants. Range-topping models are available with second-row footrests that deploy from the seat cushions, like a living-room reclining chair. The new Sienna will offer seven USB ports and up to 18 cupholders. Available equipment includes a digital rearview mirror, a 1080p rear entertainment unit, an on-board vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator. Towing capacity is 1585 kilograms (3494 lbs.). With nearly 12,000 units sold last year, the Sienna is the category killer.

With delivery times of three years, the Sienna had been passively discontinued in Canada. However, supply has improved but delivery times are still quoted at around one year. The Sienna used to be a mainstream vehicle, but like its Honda counterpart, the Odyssey, it is now a luxury class vehicle. Despite its fiscal migration, demand still far outstrips supply.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is offered for supplements of $1840 on the LE and $2140 on the XSE.

Front-wheel drive: with alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power driver’s seat and a complete active safety suite including blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, is well equipped. The XLE adds a sunroof, a power tailgate, power sliding doors and a power passenger seat. The XSE trim is equipped about the same as the XLE but is more expensive with no justification. On all-wheel drive Siennas, moving up from the LE to the Limited adds a sunroof, wireless cellphone charging, a rear entertainment unit, “Ottoman” equipped centre-row captain seats, leather seating, a JBL-branded audio system and a 12.3 inch infotainment screen. The Platinum range-topping Platinum model adds a head-up display system and a console-mounted refrigerator. The XSE Technology group includes a JBL-branded audio system and rear auto braking and represents a better value than the Platinum trim.

Above average reliability with few issues reported if the van is serviced according to the recommendations of its maker. Power sliding doors are now more durable on the Sienna than on other minivans equipped with this feature.