How do you mark 25 years for one of your most enduring models? By developing a commemorative edition and limiting its availability, that is how.
In this case, the Toyota Sienna has reached its 25th anniversary and that’s quite a milestone in a segment some wrote off years ago. Introduced in 1997, Toyota has sold 2.2 million copies of its trustworthy people mover and is one of only four players left.
25th Anniversary Toyota Sienna
To mark the occasion, Toyota observes that with a limited-available 25th Anniversary Edition. Centered on the sporty XSE grade, the tribute model includes luxury cabin features from the Limited grade as well as special exterior and interior trim. Toyota will build exactly 2,525 of these models for the U.S market.
The look includes sharper front and rear bumpers, black-painted caps, and available dark 20-inch split-5-spoke wheels. Notably, the sport-tuned suspension system exclusive to the XSE is present here.
Toyota will offer the Sienna 25th Anniversary Edition package with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Also present are roof rails, an upgraded JBL audio system with navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a 1500-watt converter.
Two color choices, Celestial Silver and Wind Chill Pearl are offered. Further, exclusive black badging and exterior trim, including mirror caps and shark fin antenna, accentuates the two offered exterior paints.
Toyota, though, is not stopping there. Indeed, the celebration continues as exterior mirrors with memory settings, auto-dimming, puddle lights, and a power-fold and reverse-tilt down function are included.
Further, slip behind the wheel and black leather-trimmed seating with silver-colored stitching, including heated and ventilated front seats with memory are standard. Also, a memory-setting steering wheel column and second-row chairs with ottomans come standard.
Illuminated front door sills, “25th Anniversary” floormats, and a special black key fob cover with silver-colored stitching featuring a “25th Anniversary” badge round out the unique touches.
Top-Selling Minivan
Despite shifting consumer sentiment, Toyota sold 107,990 copies of the Sienna in 2021. That was the first time Toyota finished on top in the segment in retail sales, finishing ahead of the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and the Kia Carnival.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the Sienna became a hybrid-only model as the fourth-generation model rolled out in 2021. Buyers looking for a similar-sized people mover might also consider the Toyota Highlander.
Hybrid-Only Sienna
Dropping the previous V6 and going with a hybrid four-cylinder system was a risk. The hybrid comes with standard front-wheel drive or available electronic on-demand all-wheel drive with an additional electric motor present to turn the rear wheels.
Under full throttle, the 2022 Sienna delivers a laudable 245 horsepower and an outstanding 36 mpg combined (35 mpg). With fuel prices topping $4.00 per gallon everywhere, the savings are tremendous.
And how much are Sienna owners saving at the pump? That’s a good question and we have the answer.
Based on a typical 15,000 miles driven annually, an owner of a 2020 Sienna making 21 mpg would use 714.29 gallons of fuel. At $4.00 per gallon, the owner would spend $2,857 for the year.
Purchase a 2023 Sienna and drive the same miles and this model would consume 416.66 gallons as the vehicle returns 36 mpg. At $4.00 per gallon, the annual fuel cost here is $1,666. The difference is nearly $1,200 a year! And with gas prices not likely to head much lower, the savings are enduring and certainly welcome.
Making the Grade
Toyota and the remaining manufacturers in the segment continue to face strong headwinds moving forward. Nevertheless, the unique touches of a minivan, especially the sliding second-row doors, remain a feature exclusive to the segment.
For Toyota, the hybrid-only approach is a winner, and most likely will help this manufacturer remain on top of the segment again this year.
See Also – Presenting the All-New Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales of America, Inc.
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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