Hybrid
A Hybrid Family-Friendly Minivan
Do you have a family of 4, 5, 6 or 7–and a dog? Do you ever take trips with the full contingent jammed into your now far too little SUV? Well then, Toyota has a solution to make your life easier with the 2025 Sienna Hybrid.
Toyota long ago made a commitment to hybrids and became the world’s largest seller of these combination gasoline/electric vehicles. In 2021, when the Sienna became available only as a hybrid, it was a big step in making Toyota’s family hauler more efficient. Clean Fleet Report had the opportunity to spend a week in the 2025 Sienna Platinum, putting it through its paces, doing what it was built to do–be a family hauler in a city and suburban environment.
Smooth Fuel-Sipping Power
Clean Fleet Report drove the front-wheel drive 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum, powered by Toyota’s hybrid system of a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, non-turbocharged engine and two electric motors, producing a total system 245 horsepower. Power is sent to a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, with driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and EV. This system automatically switches between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine power. If your driving conditions include ice, snow and heavy rain, the optional all-wheel drive Sienna may be a consideration.
Using 87 octane fuel, the engine and transmission combination earned an EPA fuel economy rating of 36 mpg city/36 highway/36 combined. Yep, the only place you will find all three the same is on a hybrid. In 427 miles of driving through Southern California we averaged 34.6 miles per gallon, probably a function of a heavier percentage of high-speed freeway driving, which the EPA numbers do not account for. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
The nickel-metal-hydride battery is charged when applying the brakes or coasting, when the regenerative charging system converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. This process is displayed on a dash gauge where you can watch the power flow into and out of the battery and engine. A helpful addition would be to allow the driver to set the level of brake regeneration, or better yet, paddles on the steering wheel for the diver to set the regen strength. This is not a new idea as competitors have this feature.
Where the Sienna Hybrid shines is seeing how efficiently the computer combines electricity and gasoline. The seamless and smooth Toyota Hybrid System is sensitive to even the slightest fluctuation in road inclines and declines, more-so than the driver can feel. There is a green EV icon on the gauge cluster that goes on and off as the system imperceptibly saves gasoline by using electricity and challenges you to be easy on the accelerator.
Hitting the Road
The hybrid system was smooth, as the CVT is programmed to err on the side of fuel efficiency. With 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, opt for the driver-selectable Sport mode setting for a bit more performance. Otherwise, Eco was more than adequate for cruising along at or above highway speeds, while Normal works well around town. Fill the Sienna with up to seven people and their gear, then add-in the 4,725-pound curb weight, maybe hook-up trailer (3,500-pound maximum tow rating), and the Sienna will need all the torque that can be provided by the hybrid drive system.
When accelerating moderately to aggressively hard, the engine sounded strained. It was heard working hard and became audibly loud in the cabin. Turning up the radio volume was a good idea. Straight line cruising is quiet and where the Sienna shines on those long, efficient road trips.
The all-season 235/50 Michelin Primacy tires, mounted on 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, had good grip but provided too firm of a ride due to the decreased sidewall of a 20-inch tire. Whenever hitting a pothole, speed bump or other road imperfections we felt a jolt. For a more comfortable ride, opt for the 18-inch wheels and tires.
The Sienna is not marketed as a sporty vehicle, but it handled well for its intended family hauling use. The full independent suspension, MacPherson struts with stabilizer bar in front and a rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar, kept it flat on the freeway when taking sweeping corners. There was little body shifting or roll, if not pushed too hard, and in-town maneuvers were easy with the electric power steering.
The power-assisted, ventilated four-wheel anti-lock brakes, aided by brake assist, traction and electronic stability control, made for even and controlled stops.
Exterior Design: Yep, It’s A Minivan
All-new in 2021, the design carries over to 2025 with narrow, swept back LED headlights, distinctive daytime running lights and a large grille. The Sienna has a power lift gate, and power side sliding doors that can be operated by the key FOB, dash button, simply tugging lightly on the door handle or with a kicking motion. Our wish list includes for the lift gate window to open to make for easier loading and unloading.
The 6.3-inch ground clearance of gives it a sleek look. The Sienna is available in nine colors–Cement, Super White, Windchill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Blueprint or Ruby Flare Pearl. Our test Sienna looked sharp in Magnetic Gray Metallic with black side rocker panels, color-keyed heated power auto-dimming and folding outside mirrors, dark gray metallic grille and dark privacy glass, making for a nice package and look.
Interior Space Is the Key
The 2025 Sienna has found its sweet spot for passengers and cargo. Clean Fleet Report’s Sienna Platinum had a black interior and the optional all-weather rubber floor mats ($260) that were appreciated as we spent much of our time at the beach where traipsing sand onto carpets is not so fun.
The three-row configuration of 2+2+3 had second row Captain’s Chairs that cannot be removed, but they do recline and slide up-to 25 inches for excellent leg room and third row access. They also have lower leg “ottoman” extensions. Headroom throughout the cabin was generous. There are HVAC controls and vents for the second row passengers, who will also appreciate the side window shades (second and third row) the power moonroof, reading lights and USB ports.
The driver and front passenger get leather-trimmed, heated seats, with the driver getting 8-way power (with lumbar and memory) and the passenger 4-way adjustable. The tall seating position gave a commanding look onto the road from the front seats, which were comfortable and supportive.
The second and third row seats are also trimmed in leather. The third row easily folds into the floor, increasing the cargo area. The second row Captain’s Chairs cannot be removed but the backs fold forward and the seats slide, making for added storage space but not a completely flat floor.
Our Platinum trim had a built-in vacuum and a FridgeBox with cooling and freezer settings. We found both to be handy and work very well. Their placement at the rear of the center console cut into the second row floor space, so see if their convenience works for your family. We think they could come in very handy.
There is a $1,415 option that places a single flip-down monitor on the ceiling so the second and third row passengers can view videos. This entertainment package includes a 1080p HD 11.6-inch display, HDMI input, a remote and two wireless headphones. The system does not include any pre-loaded content so it needs to be connected to an Apple or Android phone or other devise with a HDMI cord. A viable option is for each passenger to have their own tablet and wireless headphones to watch or listen to what they choose.
The cockpit layout is simple and clean, with plenty of soft touch materials on the dash and door panels. The easy to find and reach cruise, telephone and audio controls are housed on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, while the large round gauges were easy-on-the-eyes with white faces and black numbers on the 12.3-inch digital screen. Cup holders seem to be everywhere in the cabin (we counted 18), so there will be no excuse for anyone becoming parched.
The dominant feature is the larger-than-most center console with a flying bridge design. The console has cup holders, storage cubbies, and a large storage area underneath. The 10-inch color head-up display, which is adjustable, presents a virtual floating information screen projected on the windshield before the driver. It was very helpful by showing the speedometer, navigation, hybrid system information, radio channel and song, and driver assist and cruise control data.
Sounds and Convenience Features
The 12.3-inch color touchscreen, which housed the premium 1,200-watt JBL sound system with 12 speakers, a subwoofer and amplifier, delivered good sounds for the AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity and power were through multiple USB ports, 120-volt power outlets and a 1,500-watt inverter. The Bluetooth streaming audio worked well, as did the hands-free telephone voice recognition.
The Connected Service Plans offer, for a subscription, the best way to maximize all the features and services on the Sienna. This includes Wi-Fi through AT&T (a 90-day trial with 2GB of data use), where streaming up-to four devises will keep those second-row passengers occupied (and quiet) on long family road trips.
The list of convenience features on the Sienna Platinum is what you would expect, including a smart key, push-button start, four zone automatic climate system with air filter, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink ($200 option), anti-theft engine immobilizer, a tire pressure monitoring system and many more. The power twin sliding doors and power lift gate (with kick open and close feature) are very helpful, as are the power exterior mirrors, windows and the power tilt and slide moonroof. There is one wireless phone charger on a tray under the dash. Adding another would be great for the front passenger.
Safety Features
The 2025 Sienna comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 advanced driving system. This includes adaptive cruise control with lane tracing assist, automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitor with cross traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The surround view camera is a big help when parking or backing-up. The Sienna has 10 airbags, consisting of front and second row, driver knee, and side curtain airbags with roll sensors.
Pricing and Warranties
The 2025 Sienna comes in LE, XSE, XLE, and Limited trim levels in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Base prices, including the $1,450 delivery, processing and handling fee, range from $40,635 to $51,635. Clean Fleet Report’s 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum FWD, with $1,039 in optional equipment and the $1,450 delivery fee, had a MSRP of $58,634.
The 2025 Sienna comes with these warranties.
- Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Hybrid Battery – 10 years/150,000 miles
- Hybrid System – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Two year/25,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance – Two year/25,000 miles
- Corrosion Perforation – Five year/Unlimited miles
Observations: 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum Hybrid
Have you ever said–“I will never drive a minivan!”? This outdated thinking will be challenged if there is a constant need for a vehicle that can comfortably seat up to seven, has a large storage capacity and is designed for active families. It may be time to reconsider this versatile people mover, and see if the Sienna belongs in your driveway.
Oh, and don’t forget all those fuel efficient driving miles with the proven Toyota hybrid technology. Who would have thought 36 miles per gallon was possible for a vehicle this size? The 2025 Sienna Hybrid is the real deal. Go check it out.
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
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Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at [email protected] or by commenting on any of our stories. We answer every comment!
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