Used Toyota Sienna Quick Facts
- The best Toyota Sienna minivans to buy used are the 2021 to current vehicles.
- The Sienna consistently scores high for reliability and resale value.
- The Toyota Sienna is one of the few minivans to offer AWD, and the latest ones come standard with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
The Toyota Sienna has been a family favorite for over 25 years. From the get-go, it earned a reputation for reliability, safety, and high resale value. Over the generations, the Sienna has grown in size and complexity, evolving to make traveling with kids and pets a little easier. Depending on the year, you’ll find such convenient features as power-sliding side doors with windows that lower, a hybrid powertrain, second-row lounge chair style seating, and all-wheel drive (AWD). The latest models come with a built-in interior vacuum.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Sienna?
- Toyota Sienna By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Should You Buy a Used Toyota Sienna?
- Is the Toyota Sienna Reliable?
- Used Toyota Sienna Model Years to Avoid
- What Is the Maximum Number of People a Sienna Can Hold?
- How Much Can a Toyota Sienna Tow?
- What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Sienna Get?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Sienna?
We think the best model years for the Sienna are the 2021-to-current vehicles. At 36 mpg, the standard hybrid engine offers superior fuel economy versus the old V6, yet it can still tow 3,500 pounds. We also like this generation for its advanced safety features and tech. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a newer Sienna, the third-generation vans from about 2018 and on make excellent runners-up. These years come with a proven V6 engine, available all-wheel drive, and advanced driver assists such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Toyota Sienna By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fourth Generation: 2021-Current
Larger and more sophisticated than the van it replaces, the fourth-generation Sienna offers everything you could want in a family transport. The standard 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain produces 243 horsepower and returns a remarkable 36 mpg combined EPA fuel economy figure. Upgrading to the all-wheel-drive option only drops fuel economy by one mpg. Trims include the economical LE, comfortable XLE, sporty XSE, luxurious Limited, ultra-plush Platinum, and off-road capable Woodland. The LE and XLE offer seating for up to eight, while the more expensive trims add second-row captain’s chairs that reduce passenger capacity to seven.
The standard Toyota Safety Sense driver aids include forward collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, Road Sign Assist, lane departure warning, auto high beam headlights, and lane tracing. Some of the more notable available features include second-row captain’s chairs that can slide fore or aft up to 25 inches, foot-activated power sliding side doors, a head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, a JBL audio system, and a rear camera mirror. Top-trim levels go even further, offering heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated steering wheel.
To keep the little ones comfortable and occupied, there’s an available rear-seat entertainment system, rear sun shades, 4-zone climate control, and a Driver Easy Speak intercom that lets the driver communicate with the rear-most passengers.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims. XSE and higher trims get a new 12.3-inch dual-screen display, while the luxury Limited and Platinum get a built-in vacuum and mini fridge with an available freezer.
2024: No major changes.
2023: 25th Anniversary Edition.
2022: The Woodland Edition debuts. It features standard all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and additional option packages aimed at outdoor adventuring.
See 2021-to-current Toyota Sienna minivans for sale near you.
Third Generation: 2011-2020
The third-generation Toyota Sienna has a nearly 10-year run, so you shouldn’t have issues finding a well-maintained used model. Roughly the same size as the second-generation Sienna, the third-gen van offers more in the way of safety, driver assists, and features. Until 2013, the Sienna’s standard engine was a 187-hp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, which may be somewhat underpowered for those who regularly load up their vans. The optional 3.5-liter V6 with its 265 hp is a better choice. All-wheel drive carries over from the previous Sienna, as do dual sliding side doors. A 2018 midcycle refresh brings more features, including Toyota Safety Sense driver aids like automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams. Other safety upgrades include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a proximity key fob with push-button start, and a 180-degree panoramic view monitor. Music lovers will want to note that Apple CarPlay will not appear until 2019, and Android Auto never makes the cut.
Model-Year Changes:
2020: The Nightshade appearance package debuts.
2019: Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay join the Sienna roster.
2018: The big highlight is the Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist suite, more USB ports, and a Bird’s-Eye View Monitor for the Limited trim.
2017: The Sienna gets a more powerful V6 engine and a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
2016: No significant changes.
2015: The Sienna receives a modest exterior refresh and a few new interior upgrades.
2014: A blind-spot monitor becomes optional on the SE trim.
2013: Toyota drops the Sienna’s 4-cylinder engine and makes the V6 standard. Limited trims gain a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, which are optional on the SE and XLE.
2012: The XLE gains a power passenger seat and auto on/off headlights.
See 2011-2020 Toyota Sienna minivans for sale near you.
Second Generation: 2004-2010
The second-generation Toyota Sienna is much larger than the original. It offers more interior room, more power from its standard V6 engine, and sliding side doors with integrated power windows. Eight-passenger seating includes a flush-folding third-row seat, making it easier to expand the cargo area. First-time available safety and driver aids include adaptive cruise control, front-seat side-impact and side-curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, and all-wheel drive. Trims include the CE, LE, XLE, and XLE Limited.
See 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna minivans for sale near you.
First Generation: 1998-2003
The first Sienna replaces the funky but much-loved Previa minivan. It displays a more traditional style, is powered by a V6 engine, and offers seating for up to seven. The Sienna impresses with its additional airbag protection and excellent crash test scores, but its reputation for reliability is somewhat marred by an engine oil sludge issue.
See 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna minivans for sale near you.
Should You Buy a Used Toyota Sienna?
If a used minivan is in your future, only the Honda Odyssey can rival the Sienna for quality and resale, but it lacks features like all-wheel drive or a hybrid engine. If you’re buying a newer Sienna, we’d suggest going with a certified pre-owned model from a Toyota dealer. This will ensure proper inspection of all the vital parts and include an extended warranty.
See certified pre-owned Toyota Sienna minivans for sale near you.
Is the Toyota Sienna Reliable?
Yes. The Sienna has an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity. The newer models have had a few issues with the software for the new hybrid engine, and the 2017 and 2018 minivans received more than a few complaints about the transmission. The 2011 and 2012 minivans also have issues, most covered by recalls, which total about 14 for both years. You can see all the Sienna recalls by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Used Toyota Sienna Model Years to Avoid
The first-generation Sienna had some oil sludge buildup issues due to improper maintenance. We might also steer clear of the second-gen, again mainly due to its age and lack of advanced safety systems. If you’re buying anything older than 10 years, you’ll want to have the vehicle checked out by a reputable mechanic. Be aware that all cars with high mileage and many years on the clock are likely going to need repairs, as even the best-engineered parts eventually wear out.
What Is the Maximum Number of People a Sienna Can Hold?
Base CE, LE, and XLE trims can hold up to eight people, with the XLE having the option for 7-passenger seating via the optional second-row captain’s chairs. The more expensive trims accommodate seven.
How Much Can a Toyota Sienna Tow?
The Sienna has always had a tow rating of 3,500 pounds, but only when equipped with the trailer package and, on the first three generations, the V6.
What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Sienna Get?
The fourth-gen Sienna gets exceptional mileage, averaging 36 mpg with front-wheel drive and 35 mpg with all-wheel drive. The older models with the V6 engines don’t come anywhere near that, with combined EPA figures hovering around 22 mpg (20 mpg with all-wheel drive). The second-generation 4-cylinder didn’t fare much better, earning 21 mpg combined.
