2022 Toyota Sienna Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Minivans have been a staple in family life for decades, thanks to their practicality and versatility. The Toyota Sienna is an option that has been around for quite some time, and it distinguishes itself in a few key ways. This minivan is fresh off of a redesign, meaning many of its previous flaws have been at least somewhat addressed. There are still a few areas that are left to improve, however. You simply need to decide if the many pros outweigh the few cons.

What's New for 2022?

After a complete redesign in 2021, Toyota did not feel the need to do much to the Sienna in 2022. The one exception is the addition of a brand-new trim called the Woodland Edition. Geared for more adventurous families, this new model has things like increased ground clearance and towing capability to offer.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota Sienna – The Pros

1. Standard Hybrid Powertrain

The 2022 Toyota Sienna is an efficient option due to its standard hybrid powertrain. It utilizes a 2.5L four-cylinder and two electric motors to create a combined 245-horsepower. This setup can get you 36mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway. Going with an all-wheel-drive model will only dip the city estimate down by one. A continuously variable transmission comes standard, and overall the performance of this hybrid is satisfying.

2. Available with All-Wheel Drive

Drivers who want the convenience of a minivan plus the added confidence associated with all-wheel drive do not have a lot of options. Luckily, the 2022 Sienna is available with AWD. Buyers can choose to add it to any of the trim levels except the Woodland Edition, where it is already standard.

3. Interior is Spacious and Practical

The cabin of Sienna can seat either seven or eight, depending on the trim level. In the front, you find supportive seats and plenty of space. The amount of space in the second row is downright impressive, making it easy for adults to ride there. While the third row is best saved for children, it also has enough space to accommodate adults for shorter rides. Cloth upholstery is standard, but many models offer leather for a little extra luxury.

4. Smooth Ride Over Most Surfaces

For the most part, the Sienna does an excellent job of keeping its occupants comfortable. The bumps on the road are absorbed by the suspension, and the steering is light and responsive. Buyers will want to stick with either the 17-inch or 18-inch wheel options, however, in order to get the most comfort from their ride. While the 20-inch wheels look nice, they result in a bumpier ride.

5. Lengthy List of Standard Features

The entry-level model of the 2022 Sienna is known as the LE. It comes with many features that other vehicles reserve for their higher trim levels, such as LED headlights. Power-sliding doors, seven USB ports, and tri-zone automatic climate control are all standard, along with rear sunshades. Moving up just one trim level to the XLE will add a power liftgate, heated front seats, a push-button start, and much more.

6. Full Suite of Driver Aids Included

Advanced driver aids are part of the standard feature list for every 2022 Sienna. All models are equipped with blind-spot monitoring, which will alert you if a vehicle is detected in the next lane over where you can't see it. Lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation are also included, along with automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control, a useful feature for keeping a set distance between you and the vehicle ahead during heavy traffic.

7. Woodland Edition Adds Capability

A minivan will never be particularly off-road-oriented, by the 2022 Sienna Woodland Edition gives it a solid try. This version of the vehicle has roof rails with crossbars, plus a tow hitch that can bring along up to 3,500 pounds. A 1,500 power outlet is equipped, making the Sienna Woodland Edition perfect for your next camping trip. This trim level also has a ride height that is 0.6-inches higher than the rest of the lineup, which may let it venture a little further off of the beaten path.

8. Excellent Outward Visibility

Thanks to large windows, the Toyota Sienna has impressive outward visibility. The driver's seat is positioned high enough to make it easy to see the road ahead. This minivan also has large windows that allow you to see a clear view of the sides and rear of the vehicle. As a result, it is easy to back out of a parking space or change lanes when driving the Sienna. For an even better view, you can choose a model with a surround-view camera system.

9. Technology is Plentiful and User-Friendly

The 2022 Sienna has all of the features that you would expect from a well-equipped new vehicle. Highlights include a 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the Sienna LE comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and satellite radio. The infotainment system feels a bit dated, but it is also easy to learn. Upper trim levels of the Sienna add extras like wireless device charging, a rear-seat entertainment system, and HD radio.

10. Strong Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2022 Sienna an overall score of five out of five stars. When taking a closer look, you will see that it received five stars for side crashes and four stars for frontal crashes and rollovers. Another respected institution that tests new vehicles is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While they have not yet tested the 2022 Sienna, they did award the 2021 model with the title of "Top Safety Pick+."

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Toyota Sienna – The Cons

1. Second-Row Seats Can't Fold Flat or Be Removed

The cabin of the Sienna is quite large, but it cannot live up to its full potential when it comes to cargo hauling. This is due to the second row of seats, which do not fold flat. They are not also removable, which is an option for many competitors. Still, there are 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row. That row does fold completely flat, which will allow you up to 75.2 cubic feet.

2. It's Slower Than Non-Hybrid Competitors

Having a standard hybrid is admirable, but it does leave a bit to be desired in the performance department. It takes nearly eight seconds to go from zero to 60, which feels longer than it may sound. Toyota may want to consider going back to giving the Sienna a non-hybrid option as well so that they do not limit their potential market.

3. Brakes are a Bit Sensitive

While the suspension and steering of the Sienna are spot-on, the brakes could use some work. They are overly sensitive, which can make for a jarring experience until you get used to them. This is something that may be worth overlooking in the grand scheme of things. Over time, drivers should get the hang of bringing the Sienna to a smooth stop.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Toyota Sienna vs. 2022 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is one of the main competitors of the Sienna, and it undeniably does a few things better. It has a standard V6 engine, for example, which makes it a lot more fun to drive. You also get more cargo space in the Odyssey, partially due to the fact that the second row of seats can be completely removed. The starting price for the Odyssey is also a couple thousand less than that of the Sienna. On the other hand, the Odyssey is not available with all-wheel drive, and it does not get the same excellent fuel economy that you would get out of the Sienna.

2022 Toyota Sienna vs. 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is another good minivan option. It has the popular Stow 'N Go second-row seats, making it easy to go between hauling people and hauling cargo. It also has a V6 engine that allows the Pacifica to pass and merge with ease. If fuel economy is the bigger priority, there is also a Pacifica Hybrid worth checking out. The Sienna is arguably more comfortable, however, and many people find they prefer its exterior styling over the Pacifica.

Conclusion

The 2022 Toyota Sienna is not the perfect minivan, but it comes pretty close. Anyone who wants a comfortable and spacious vehicle that will save them money at the pumps while also giving them the latest in tech features will be well-served by this vehicle. On the other hand, those who really want to be able to pass easily on the highway will want to shop elsewhere. A new engine option and a few tweaks to the performance are all the Sienna really needs to stay on top of the minivan game.