One of probably the most thrilling issues about reviewing a automobile is utilizing it for its meant function. Yes, a C8 Corvette has nice curves and sounds imply, nevertheless it’s most satisfying once you drop the hammer and fly down the highway. Testing the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 a number of years in the past was extra satisfying as a result of I used to be in a position to fill all three rows of seats with my buddies. Off-road SUVs are supposed to be put into 4LO and brought into the wild. When I discovered I’d be getting my fingers on a 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum, I received excited as a result of I knew I’d be testing the luxurious minivan not simply as an automotive author, however as a dad and household man.
WHAT’S NEW
When it was launched as a 2021 mannequin, the fourth-generation Sienna was a radical departure from its predecessor. Not solely did it have a dramatic entrance finish impressed by the design of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet prepare, nevertheless it additionally was solely out there with hybrid powertrain. For 2025, you’ll be able to think about the Sienna having a mid-cycle refresh: the outside updates are refined and embrace shade and trim adjustments in addition to new wheel designs for the Woodland Edition and Platinum mannequin, which will get two-tone 20-inch rollers. A brand new Hybrid Electric Vehicle badge reminds onlookers of the selection Toyota made years in the past.
The bulk of the revisions to the 2025 Sienna are on the within. All trim ranges come geared up with twin microphones for higher name readability, cabin-wide USB-C charging, and a brand new, faster-charging fifth-generation Qi wi-fi charger. New colours be a part of the palette of accessible choices and are available paired with totally different finishes for the middle console, which has a woodgrain look within the Limited and Platinum fashions. Most importantly, the 2025 Sienna is the launch automobile for Toyota’s Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system, which makes use of millimeter-wave radar to detect motion within the second and third rows earlier than issuing an escalating collection of alerts. XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum grades obtain a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster; solely the Platinum will get a 10-inch head-up show, built-in vacuum, and FridgeBox cooler as normal tools. My Platinum press loaner was optioned with the digital rearview mirror digicam and some small protecting equipment, which took it from a base value of $56,145 as much as an as-tested value of $58,774.
BABY ON BOARD
This previous January, my son Hayden was born. Not solely has he modified my life for the higher, however he additionally modified the best way I take a look at autos. Now, one of many first questions that pops into my head after I get the keys to a brand new evaluation automobile is, How does it deal with a automobile seat and a stroller? After a weekend of working errands and procuring with my spouse, mother-in-law, and son, I discovered the reply is “very well.” After opening the passenger-side energy sliding door with only a wave of my foot, I didn’t have to maneuver the entrance passenger seat ahead to accommodate Hayden’s automobile seat within the second-row captain’s chair. Folding the third row of seats down freed up a complete of 75.2 cubic toes of cargo area, which was greater than sufficient for my little man’s collapsible stroller. Even when the again row was up, I used to be simply in a position to match the stroller into the deep cavity behind it.
During a cease at Old Navy, the place I used to be glad to stick with Hayden within the Sienna whereas the women shopped inside, I had an opportunity to get pleasure from one of many highlights of the Platinum mannequin. I pushed the driver-side second-row seat again, reclined, and deployed the ottoman. It was a calming, luxurious approach to go the time whereas maintaining a tally of my boy.
FAMILY MATTERS
The Sienna turned out to be as comfy because it was succesful. Every seat was a great one. All 4 folks within the first two rows had their very own local weather zone. The digital gauge panel and 12.3-inch middle touchscreen have been giant and legible. When it was cool within the morning, I may use the heated steering wheel and entrance seats; when temperatures rose within the afternoon, I merely pushed the button for the seat cooler. Whoever rode subsequent to Hayden within the second row had her personal heated seat. Although not each cup holder was giant sufficient to carry my 17-ounce water bottle, there have been a lot unfold all through the cabin. The identical goes for the guide facet sunshades—I anticipated to the see them within the center row, however I used to be shocked that Toyota additionally put in a pair within the third row.
My spouse and mother-in-law by no means go away our home and not using a cool beverage, and so they didn’t have to depart the Sienna with out one due to the FridgeBox. It didn’t take lengthy for my spouse to resolve what she considered the Sienna. Within minutes of being in it, she instructed me, “I want one of these.” Hayden appeared happy with the trip high quality. I may inform by taking a look at his lovely, peaceable face as he slept.
STUFF SHUFFLIN’
After my household moved into our new home (a course of which appears to by no means finish), the very last thing I needed to do was fill one other automobile with housewares. But I used to be desirous to see how the Sienna carried out as a kind of home work automobile, so I gladly helped load it with seasonal decor objects sure for my mother-in-law’s storage unit. Given the form of a few of my cargo, I left the second-row captain’s chairs up, however lowered the rear seats. That configuration allowed me to hold a eating room chair, pop-up singing Santa Claus, and synthetic Christmas tree break up into two large zip-up baggage. After my mother-in-law and I unloaded the Sienna, she instructed me she needed to carry 4 giant totes again to the home. That pit behind the third row was so deep and roomy that, by the point I had all of the bins within the van, it seemed as if the underside two weren’t even there. I used to be impressed.
THE TRADE-OFF
If you’re pondering a hybrid minivan doesn’t sound like probably the most participating driving expertise, you’re proper—it’s not. The Sienna’s 189-horsepower, 176-lb-ft 2.5-liter I4; 180-horsepower electrical motor and Nickel Metal Hydride battery produce 245 web horsepower. The engine sounds coarse and, though it has a sure sense of urgency below heavy throttle, the acceleration doesn’t equate to enjoyable or pleasure. Neither does the electrical energy steering or the stiff and stoic brake pedal.
You know what? That didn’t matter to me. I didn’t count on the Sienna to be a driver’s automobile. I knew it was meant to be extra of a instrument than a toy. It did what it was constructed to do nicely, all whereas returning a median of 36.9 mpg over the course of 306.5 miles.
Ten years in the past, I by no means thought I’d like a minivan. The Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid modified that, however neither a type of made me need a minivan. The 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum and my household modified that.
