The Toyota Sienna is a multipurpose vehicle, better known as a “minivan,” although it certainly isn’t diminutive. The Sienna is a three-row people hauler with room for eight, an alternative to the Toyota Highlander crossover. Both offer all-wheel drive.
The Sienna’s available all-wheel-drive system is unique to minivans, giving this model an edge, especially in areas where wintry conditions prevail. The Sienna operates in a shrinking segment with four competing models: the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and the Kia Sedona.
Toyota Sienna Highlights
The following are among the significant points about the 2020 Sienna:
1. Five trims for the choosing.
The Sienna is available in five trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited. It seats 7 or 8, supplies upwards of 150 cubic feet of storage capacity, and can pull up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. An available Auto Access Seat supplies a mobility option with its 330-pound rating.
2. Your choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
As mentioned, the Toyota Sienna is the only model in its segment with available all-wheel drive. Most buyers, however, will find front-wheel drive sufficient. In models equipped with all-wheel drive, the Sienna benefits from active torque control, available with the LE, XLE, and Limited trims.
3. An all-new Nightshade Edition debuts.
Toyota keeps the Sienna fresh this year by offering an available Nightshade Edition. This special package ($700) is available across the model line, adding a black sport mesh front grille, black 19-inch wheels (18 inches for all-wheel drive), black door handles and mirror caps, and black Toyota badges. Besides the Midnight Black Metallic trim, there are three other exterior colors to choose from. The interior is dressed in black.
4. Improved connectivity choices this year.
Toyota has slowly, but surely added connectivity features, choosing to vet each product carefully before making them available to the public. This year, you’ll find both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity, although we’re still waiting for Android Auto.
5. Lots of safety features provided.
Advanced driver-assist features such as automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist are standard. Also available is blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Some models include safety telematics technology, which is bundled with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle notification, an emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance.
6. A powerful engine and capable automatic transmission.
Powering the 2020 Sienna is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with best-in-class 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This model makes an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for a combined 21 mpg. The all-wheel-drive model makes a combined 20 mpg.
7. Seating choices galore.
Toyota designed the Sienna’s interior so that the third-row seats fold down and the second-row seats may be removed. Wide-opening dual-sliding doors make access and egress easier. The second-row Captain’s chairs slide nearly two feet rearward, which supply tremendous legroom. In the Limited FWD edition, the second-row chairs are wrapped in leather and include dual armrests, leg and foot support, and a mechanism for easy repositioning or removal.
8. Loads of standard and available technologies.
All 2020 Sienna models come with a 7-inch touch-screen display. Standard features include six speakers, Bluetooth, USB ports, and an app suite. Available upgrades include a CD player, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Siri Eyes Free. Some models have a 10-soaker audio system, navigation, additional USB ports, and a rear entertainment system.
Toyota Sienna Considerations
Priced from the low $30sK to just under $50,000, there is a Toyota Sienna to fit most budgets. The SE and XLE grades offer most of the features customers want. With available all-wheel drive, both trims cost about $40,000, including destination. Next year, the fourth-generation Sienna rolls out. This one comes with a standard hybrid drivetrain.
2020 Toyota Sienna Specifications
| Toyota | 2020 Sienna |
|---|---|
| Segment | Minivan |
| Price Range | $31,415 to $47,830 |
| Destination Charge | $1,060 |
| Standard Engine | 3.5-liter, V6 |
| Horsepower | 296 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 263 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 7 to 8 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,430 to 4,615 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 119.3 |
| Length (inches) | 200.6 |
| Width (inches) | 78.1 |
| Height (inches) | 68.9 to 71.3 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 41.0, 39.7, 38.3 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 40.5, 37.6, 36.3 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 65.0, 64.6, 61.1 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 58.6, 66.1, 50.3 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 117.8 to 150.0 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | 5,995 |
| Towing (pounds) | 3,500 |
| Payload (pounds) | 1,100 to 1,210 |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 20.0 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 19/27/22 (FWD); 18/24/20 (AWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Princeton, Indiana |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplies by the manufacturer.
See Also — All-Wheel-Drive Exclusive: Toyota Sienna
Photo copyright Toyota Motors.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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