[kevdiggity40]

A quick list of pros and cons from this 2021 LE+ AWD owner (28 months, 76K miles):

PROS

1. Mind-bending fuel economy; quite easy to exceed the EPA rating - if you drive it conservatively, that is. Fuelly reports 32 mpg for 2021 and 33 mpg for 2022 and 2023.
2. Ultra-long range because of #1 and the 18-gal fuel tank (can count on 600 "good weather" miles)
3. Adequate power for all the driving situations we have been in (Appalachian mountain roads, 8 people on board, overtaking, etc. Disclaimer: we haven't done Vail Pass or the Grapevine )
4. Very comfortable, I'd say "cushy" ride
5. A good ground clearance for a minivan
6. No first hand experience with FWD, but the e-AWD version is very competent in acceleration, cornering, regen-assisted braking, driving in slippery conditions.
7. Insignificant mpg penalty for e-AWD
8. Comfy seats (note: many owners of higher trims complain about the seats, notably the headrests)
9. Very well equipped for the 2nd lowest trim: power sliding doors, moonroof, multizone HVAC
10. If you can't get a version with spare wheel soon/cheap enough, a simple aftermarket mod ($600-$800 for parts including the spare wheel and an hour or two if DIY-ing with no special tools needed) will take care of it
11. Our stock wheels (2nd lowest trim) look great, Falken-something Ziex, grip very well and will last for >55K miles. Note: some higher trim owners dislike their wheels
12. Too numerous to count cubbies, pockets, beverage holders etc. everywhere in the van. There is a very long shelf under the dashboard, and a basement under the bridge at the central console. That basement alone holds a 1-gallon trash can, a fire extinguisher, a roll of paper towels, a container of wipes, etc. Behind the infotainment screen there is enough space to put a large aftermarket storage bin, where I keep my safety-, sun- and other glasses

At 75K miles it's too early to talk about long-term reliability or longevity. Touch wood, I haven't had any serious problems that would affect drivability or safety, and smaller problems were fixed under warranty.

CONS

1. The tailgate (ours is not powered) sometimes needs to get whacked down really hard, otherwise it might look like its closed and flush with the body, but it isn't, which means the car will throw a Tailgate Open alarm
2. The 2nd row is awkward, as you can't [easily] remove it, or fold, or even tilt it enough for transporting long (> 73") items on the floor.
3. No auxiliary audio input and of course no CD player.
4. The central console cover can swallow small and not so small items. Mine never has, but some drivers had their credit cards and keys eaten. This can be fixed, though, with some DYI effort.
5. Sometimes when the van transitions from regen to friction braking at low speeds it may feel for a fraction of a second as though the brake or the wheels "slipped". Many people find it disconcerting, although I have not read reports about this causing problems with stopping in time.
6. Specific to Blueprint color: is only pretty under certain range of light conditions.

CONTROVERSIAL/SUBJECTIVE CONS

1. Under sustained acceleration or climbing up a steep grade the engine emits a droning noise. I am not bothered, but I can see why some drivers will resent it
2. Courtesy of the e-CVT, the acceleration feels kind of rubbery, which some drivers may confuse with the lack of engine power
3. The 3rd row, when folded into its well, doesn't latch in its position and might "pop up", some drivers reported. A bungie cord or a floor mat will fix it.
4. Some drivers reported the butt sags too much when the van is loaded with people, stuff, multi-bike rack etc. I haven't seen it on my van with 7-8 people inside.

Pretty much spot-on with my experience. We are in month 4 of ownership of our '21 LE FWD. A lot of long highway trips this summer, so mileage has averaged ~33 mpg.

Loves/Pros:

1. Very comfy for a large family-I'm 6'4", 235# (former college tight end). I wish the thigh support was a bit longer but it's quite comfy with good room to spread my legs and elbows out. My 4 kiddos, ages 8-15 yo all find it very comfy.
2. Actually prefer the LE cloth seats vs synthetic-We've rented XLEs with the synthetic leather and our second vehicle is a '22 Subaru Ascent Onyx with the Startex seats. Summers are hot in NorCal and I get serious 'swamp butt' on long drives with the synthetic seats, so I'm really appreciating my first cloth seats in many, many years.
3. Acceleration is more than adequate, even pulling into fast traffic with 6 large humans and luggage.

Hates/Cons:

1. The engine is almost embarrassingly loud on acceleration once the gas engine kicks in.
2. Windshield noise, particularly on the driver's side is for real and incredibly annoying and unacceptable for a manufacturer of Toyota's reputation. Apparently, nothing can be done.
3. The second row is very difficult to slide forward to allow 3rd row access. This is our carpool vehicle and even the 15-16 yo teens are having problems.
4. I knew it going in but the lack of a power tailgate, even at the LE level is ridiculous.
5. Front display and back up camera are both comically bad/out of date, as is the speaker quality. My Subaru, which is just above their lowest Premium trim, has a display, speakers and back up camera that blow the doors off the Sienna.
6. More expensive to insure vs a 1 year newer Ascent. I've been with USAA for 20+ years, zero tickets or accidents. It's about $130 more over 6 months. Certainly not a deal breaker but a bit surprising.

To be honest, I like it but I don't love it. I think it's the best option for a van available at the moment but not sure I'll keep it long term.

 

[uzi214]

The biggest con is the wind noise on highway speeds it’s outright terrible. I have the xse and 2 months and 3k miles it’s great for city stop and go traffic but on highway it’s probably one of the worst car I have been in.

Yes many pros like MPG , Awd etc I got the spare also, installing a rhino platform for roof tent etc.

 

[Bill in Tulsa]

A quick list of pros and cons from this 2021 LE+ AWD owner (28 months, 76K miles):

PROS

1. Mind-bending fuel economy; quite easy to exceed the EPA rating - if you drive it conservatively, that is. Fuelly reports 32 mpg for 2021 and 33 mpg for 2022 and 2023.
2. Ultra-long range because of #1 and the 18-gal fuel tank (can count on 600 "good weather" miles)
3. Adequate power for all the driving situations we have been in (Appalachian mountain roads, 8 people on board, overtaking, etc. Disclaimer: we haven't done Vail Pass or the Grapevine )
4. Very comfortable, I'd say "cushy" ride
5. A good ground clearance for a minivan
6. No first hand experience with FWD, but the e-AWD version is very competent in acceleration, cornering, regen-assisted braking, driving in slippery conditions.
7. Insignificant mpg penalty for e-AWD
8. Comfy seats (note: many owners of higher trims complain about the seats, notably the headrests)
9. Very well equipped for the 2nd lowest trim: power sliding doors, moonroof, multizone HVAC
10. If you can't get a version with spare wheel soon/cheap enough, a simple aftermarket mod ($600-$800 for parts including the spare wheel and an hour or two if DIY-ing with no special tools needed) will take care of it
11. Our stock wheels (2nd lowest trim) look great, Falken-something Ziex, grip very well and will last for >55K miles. Note: some higher trim owners dislike their wheels
12. Too numerous to count cubbies, pockets, beverage holders etc. everywhere in the van. There is a very long shelf under the dashboard, and a basement under the bridge at the central console. That basement alone holds a 1-gallon trash can, a fire extinguisher, a roll of paper towels, a container of wipes, etc. Behind the infotainment screen there is enough space to put a large aftermarket storage bin, where I keep my safety-, sun- and other glasses

At 75K miles it's too early to talk about long-term reliability or longevity. Touch wood, I haven't had any serious problems that would affect drivability or safety, and smaller problems were fixed under warranty.

CONS

1. The tailgate (ours is not powered) sometimes needs to get whacked down really hard, otherwise it might look like its closed and flush with the body, but it isn't, which means the car will throw a Tailgate Open alarm
2. The 2nd row is awkward, as you can't [easily] remove it, or fold, or even tilt it enough for transporting long (> 73") items on the floor.
3. No auxiliary audio input and of course no CD player.
4. The central console cover can swallow small and not so small items. Mine never has, but some drivers had their credit cards and keys eaten. This can be fixed, though, with some DYI effort.
5. Sometimes when the van transitions from regen to friction braking at low speeds it may feel for a fraction of a second as though the brake or the wheels "slipped". Many people find it disconcerting, although I have not read reports about this causing problems with stopping in time.
6. Specific to Blueprint color: is only pretty under certain range of light conditions.

CONTROVERSIAL/SUBJECTIVE CONS

1. Under sustained acceleration or climbing up a steep grade the engine emits a droning noise. I am not bothered, but I can see why some drivers will resent it
2. Courtesy of the e-CVT, the acceleration feels kind of rubbery, which some drivers may confuse with the lack of engine power
3. The 3rd row, when folded into its well, doesn't latch in its position and might "pop up", some drivers reported. A bungie cord or a floor mat will fix it.
4. Some drivers reported the butt sags too much when the van is loaded with people, stuff, multi-bike rack etc. I haven't seen it on my van with 7-8 people inside.

I concur with what you are saying. Best regards an Thank you!

 

[Dimitrij]

Pretty much spot-on with my experience. We are in month 4 of ownership of our '21 LE FWD. A lot of long highway trips this summer, so mileage has averaged ~33 mpg.

Loves/Pros:

1. Very comfy for a large family-I'm 6'4", 235# (former college tight end). I wish the thigh support was a bit longer but it's quite comfy with good room to spread my legs and elbows out. My 4 kiddos, ages 8-15 yo all find it very comfy.
2. Actually prefer the LE cloth seats vs synthetic-We've rented XLEs with the synthetic leather and our second vehicle is a '22 Subaru Ascent Onyx with the Startex seats. Summers are hot in NorCal and I get serious 'swamp butt' on long drives with the synthetic seats, so I'm really appreciating my first cloth seats in many, many years.
3. Acceleration is more than adequate, even pulling into fast traffic with 6 large humans and luggage.

Hates/Cons:

1. The engine is almost embarrassingly loud on acceleration once the gas engine kicks in.
2. Windshield noise, particularly on the driver's side is for real and incredibly annoying and unacceptable for a manufacturer of Toyota's reputation. Apparently, nothing can be done.
3. The second row is very difficult to slide forward to allow 3rd row access. This is our carpool vehicle and even the 15-16 yo teens are having problems.
4. I knew it going in but the lack of a power tailgate, even at the LE level is ridiculous.
5. Front display and back up camera are both comically bad/out of date, as is the speaker quality. My Subaru, which is just above their lowest Premium trim, has a display, speakers and back up camera that blow the doors off the Sienna.
6. More expensive to insure vs a 1 year newer Ascent. I've been with USAA for 20+ years, zero tickets or accidents. It's about $130 more over 6 months. Certainly not a deal breaker but a bit surprising.

To be honest, I like it but I don't love it. I think it's the best option for a van available at the moment but not sure I'll keep it long term.

I am a tad shorter (6'2" and 225 lbs.), but I do have long legs and so far I haven't noticed the lack of thigh support .... I guess everyone's anatomy is a little different. I would mention that my driver's seat is set at the highest position, maybe that's the trick?

I also wonder if the hard-to-slide 2nd row may is a bug and not a feature. I recall that for sliding the left-hand chair I had to pull the square handle really hard, so hard that I ended up needing a new actuator cable. Perhaps something to raise with the dealership if the car is still on warranty?

 

[OnTheRoadAgain]

The biggest con is the wind noise on highway speeds it’s outright terrible. I have the xse and 2 months and 3k miles it’s great for city stop and go traffic but on highway it’s probably one of the worst car I have been in.

Yes many pros like MPG , Awd etc I got the spare also, installing a rhino platform for roof tent etc.

Try a 3rd generation sienna is you think the 4th generation has wind noise.

 

[danielrg]

Try a 3rd generation sienna is you think the 4th generation has wind noise.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic Is the 3rd generation worse for wind noise or better?

 

[Vanfam12345]

It seems upper trim levels like limited and platinum don’t have as many wind noise issues as lower trim levels like XSE and below do

 

[OnTheRoadAgain]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic Is the 3rd generation worse for wind noise or better?

I'm being real, both road and wind are worse, maybe you didn't own a 3rd gen that's why I'm stating it. I did, and still have one. Gonna be up for sale soon now that i have the 4th gen.

 

[Mikeyee]

Compared to the competition

pros:
Easy 30+ mpg. My lead foot has lost some weight and my new normal is now 36+, up from 32.
Easy cheap maintenance. I am so glad they went back to spin on oil filter that’s easily accessible.
Tows it’s marketed weight very well. And at insane mpg. My latest trip flat towing the drift car saw 24mpg(!!!)
Toyota. Those other brands not names toyota/honda have some questionable concerns from user’s posting on their owner forums.

Cons:
Second row doesn’t come out without tools. But it was an easy 4minute affair tbh.
Toyota safety chimes for everything.
Could use more usbc?
Replacement tires were a bit if a pain, but that may have been due to covid shipping issues when it happened.
Loss of rear trunk kick door action with tow hitch.
Glorified hub caps? Idno i kinda like them though.
spare tireshenanigans

My cons have gotten nit picky over the years. But they’re all easy to live with with how good the van is. Especially the mpgs and towing part. What else outside of diesel is doing 20mpg towing 2800lbs lol.

 

[uzi214]

I honestly didn’t care what trim I got since these are impossible to get ..it was msrp and had no cloth seats. I traded in my 200k rx350 which I had for a while. I have driven my friend 3rd gen le and it’s not as loud as mine. Also this car regardless of the trim has the thinnest rubber gaskets around the door trims. Also the trim around the windshield outside is not that heavy duty compared to my LX570. It’s very lose you guys can try to move and it will come
Out easy. Thinking of puttting silicone all around the front windshield.

I also put weathertech window visors all around didn’t help much
The platinum has acoustic glass on windshield and front 2 windows.

Plan is to pick a new platinum when they refresh this.

It seems upper trim levels like limited and platinum don’t have as many wind noise issues as lower trim levels like XSE and below do

 

[Davidoff65]

I honestly didn’t care what trim I got since these are impossible to get ..it was msrp and had no cloth seats. I traded in my 200k rx350 which I had for a while. I have driven my friend 3rd gen le and it’s not as loud as mine. Also this car regardless of the trim has the thinnest rubber gaskets around the door trims. Also the trim around the windshield outside is not that heavy duty compared to my LX570. It’s very lose you guys can try to move and it will come
Out easy. Thinking of puttting silicone all around the front windshield.

I also put weathertech window visors all around didn’t help much
The platinum has acoustic glass on windshield and front 2 windows.

Plan is to pick a new platinum when they refresh this.

Question: do you think front windows are interchangeable between a platinum and lesser model? I don't particularly find that it's loud to the point where it's annoying but it could be quieter on some stretches of asphalt!

 

[uzi214]

I know for a fact they are, I will go that route if I keep this car. Cost about 250 ish to 280 per window ( not original but still acoustic double pane glass)

Question: do you think front windows are interchangeable between a platinum and lesser model? I don't particularly find that it's loud to the point where it's annoying but it could be quieter on some stretches of asphalt!

 

[Davidoff65]

I know for a fact they are, I will go that route if I keep this car. Cost about 250 ish to 280 per window ( not original but still acoustic double pane glass)

That is great news! I assume that window regulator and motor wouldn't be stressed much with the added weight. And if price is as reasonable as you hinted, it's a good project to tackle.

 

[brand43076]

Bought mines in July /23 and without 2nd key fob. Love the van and not the price I paid but needed it since my main family hauler (2007 CX9 w/ 275k started having tranny issues). It was 42k + 5k in factory installed packages along with 5k in dealer packages for an XLE = 52k. I guess I could of waited and or looked around but have a family vacation that came up a week later so I was a bit desperate.

pros - great gas mileage at 38 mpg after 4k of driving. I drive in ‘eco’ mode even with AC on in great weather (southern california). No issues going up and down the Grapevine multiple times. Very roomy and huge back trunk. Middle seats slides for much leg room fore or aft.
Cons - no spare tire. I had to buy one from Modern Spare. No sunglasses holder. I can’t roll down/up the window right after I turn off the car. Could do this in my old 07 CX9. Rear seats don’t stowe flat as I would like.
Lame monitoring not as good as our 22 Corolla with same Toyota safety sense for some reason (it can’t track lines as well).

Also purchased in July of 2023. XSE - no dealer fee or MSRP markup. $51k OTD. WPB FL. No second key. Getting 32MPG after 1700 miles (probably because wife sits in car line to pick up the kids for 30 mins each day with the car on and AC cranking since we life in SFLA and it's 100 degrees every day). Anyone know how or when we will get a second key? Would be a huge headache if we lost this one.

 

[wscan]

Anyone know how or when we will get a second key?

See the chart in post #2 here: 2nd key fob
What will happen is you will get a notification from Toyota. At that time, make an appointment with the dealer and the dealer will supply (and program) the second key fob.

 

[danielrg]

I'm being real, both road and wind are worse, maybe you didn't own a 3rd gen that's why I'm stating it. I did, and still have one. Gonna be up for sale soon now that i have the 4th gen.

I finally got to test drive a Sienna - a dealership about 50 miles away had a used 2022 Sienna LE. I was just passing through town and thought I'd stop in. It had just come out of detailing. I took it for a brief test drive, got it up to 60 on a divided 4 lane road - didn't notice any wind noise, actually it was really quiet. The road had just been repaved though so the tires were very quiet. But quiet tires should have made me notice wind noise more, but I didn't really notice any wind noise that annoyed me or that I could localize.

I just wanted to drive the hybrid drive train. I liked it. It's true that the engine is loud during acceleration, but the thing was quiet the rest of the time. Seemed responsive, I thought their infographic on the hybrid drive train was a little hard to follow - I like the Hyundai graphic better - but I'd likely get used to reading it. Steering was also generally responsive, not too much roll for a minivan. And it just seemed to eat up the bumps in the road and manholes really well. I did like the ride.

The braking is different than a strictly brakes vehicle. It feels like it resists a little before it brakes harder like you have to "push through" it a little. I tried a few different braking actions and some hard braking but never did have any "braking skips" that some have talked about. I still believe those little braking slips happen though, not denying that, just didn't experience it.

I did find the LE seats more comfortable than the 2023 Woodland edition seats that I just got to sit in a couple weeks ago.

 

[moremassbetter]

6. More expensive to insure vs a 1 year newer Ascent. I've been with USAA for 20+ years, zero tickets or accidents. It's about $130 more over 6 months. Certainly not a deal breaker but a bit surprising.

That's because the Sienna has very high medical injury claims relative to the average car, something like 45% higher.

 

[danielrg]

That's because the Sienna has very high medical injury claims relative to the average car, something like 45% higher.

Is that common to minivans in general? More passengers = more medical claim individuals per accident thus higher numbers? Or the people in the back just bounce around like pinballs and get more hurt? Or minivan drivers aren't paying attention because the kids are making too much noise ?

 

[Dimitrij]

Is that common to minivans in general? More passengers = more medical claim individuals per accident thus higher numbers? Or the people in the back just bounce around like pinballs and get more hurt? Or minivan drivers aren't paying attention because the kids are making too much noise ?

I have noticed that in my driving area a significant proportion of new Siennas tends to speed. This could be because folks choose the Gen 4 over other new minivans for its anticipated high reliability and low TCO (#Gigaprius), and then they discover that the van has pretty good driving dynamics for its size and weight.

 

[Sienna9816]

That's because the Sienna has very high medical injury claims relative to the average car, something like 45% higher.

Interesting. Would you be able to link to where you saw this?