Toyota Sienna was one of the most popular minivans on the market. If you ask why it was and isn’t now, we will tell you. It was overrun by competition. For a segment which is intended for families and soccer moms the competition can be stingy. Honda upgraded its Odyssey and is preparing a 2018 MY while Chrysler introduced its new model Pacifica. Later one is currently considered best minivan on the market due to its design and technology solutions. That’s why the Japanese manufacturer needs to step the game up with 2018 Toyota Sienna.
03/27/2017 UPDATE: 2018 Toyota Sienna with a new look.
To be presented next month.
The New York auto show will be the next stop for the 2018 Toyota Sienna next month with the latest changes to the exterior design and with new technology. Besides, a year after presenting an engine bearing more power to the Sienna, Toyota is introducing new changes to the best-selling minivan in the States.
The new look of the Sienna definitely reminds us of some other Toyota models. Novelties are bigger fog lights and lower rockers on the side of every car, plus a slightly more athletic look while the customers can choose this vehicle in three new colors: Alumina Jade Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl and Parisian Night Pearl. There is also a bigger lower grille segment giving it more interesting look.
A new Toyota Entune 3.0 unit is something that will adorn the interior of the cabin pushing the tech level further. LE, SE, and XLE trims receive Entune Audio Plus, which also involves Safety Connect emergency assistance. The in-car entertainment system comes along with the usual Connected Navigation Scout GPS link with Moving Maps, and future owners can connect to the internet with 4G LTE. The Entune 3.0 Premium JBL Audio system, usual on the top-trim Limited model and optional on the SE and XLE, contains a premium sound system and also Dynamic Navigation with turn-by-turn instructions that also enables wireless updates OTA for upgraded map accuracy.
In the cabin, Toyota added five USB ports which allow passengers in all three rows to connect their gadgets. Improvements to this minivan also include the introduction of the laminated front windshield to mid-level SE trim while the Limited version comes with new acoustic front row side glass. Both of these significantly reduce noise, vibration, and harshness level making the ride much more pleasant.
Each new Sienna model has a pre-collision system and pedestrian detection. There are also automatic high beams, full-speed adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert with steering assist which are standard safety features.
It is interesting to note that Toyota has decided to refresh a vehicle which has been present for seven model years now since Chrysler keeps on staggering the minivan market with its Pacifica and the all-new Honda Odyssey has been revealed for 2018. When the 2018 Toyota Sienna becomes available on the U.S. market this autumn, we will see if this new version will be competitive in a segment which received few quite powerful competitors.
2018 Sienna Minivan Design Changes
The best place to start with an update is the exterior. We say update because the full redesign is still a few years away. The front end is the part of Sienna that is most outdated. Grille and headlights need a replacement ASAP. More stretching of the grille and lowering of the hood with a little wider stance of the headlights would give 2018 Toyota Sienna that dose of aggression that is so desperately needed. The side part of the minivan can wait for redesign and together with the rear end can stay the same or come slightly upgraded.
Let’s take a look at the interior. Competitors are far ahead, and we can say without refrain, throw it all out and replace it! The interior of Toyota Sienna is so outdated that it needs a complete overhaul. No kidding!
Toyota Sienna Price
Even with only a few changes, you would think that price will skyrocket, but Toyota can’t afford to raise the price much. Interior would follow standards that Japanese car-giant already uses on other models, and exterior would be updated due to sheer need because it wasn’t changed since 2015. This would increase the price but not as much as you think. The middle trim model could be available for less than $40,000. Not much for a model that will look better, act better and more than anything it will fell much better inside.
| 2017 Toyota Sienna Specs | |
| Dimensions And Weight | |
| Wheelbase | 68.7 |
| Length | 200.2 |
| Height | 68.7 |
| Width | 78.1 |
| Weight | 4415 |
| Engine And Transmission | |
| Engine type | 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-Valve with Dual VVT-i |
| Displacement | 3.5 L/211 |
| Power/torque | 296 hp @ 6600 rpm, 263 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm |
| Transmission | Direct Shift-8AT Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 113 mph |
| PRICE RANGE: Starting price is $32,540 |
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| Competitors:2018 Honda Odyssey, 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest |
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Release date of Toyota Sienna 2018
Release date it’s not far away, we assure you. Pacifica is already dominating the market; Honda is testing its 2018 Odyssey for months now, and Toyota will release its plans for 2018 Sienna shortly. By the end of 2017, we will have new and facelifted Sienna presented.
2018 Toyota Sienna Engine and Transmission
Another segment where Sienna would like to stay in the game or even get better is the engine department. The current edition of Toyota’s best-selling minivan boasts 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 266hp. The only transmission available is automatic 6-speed. Front-wheel drive comes as standard while AWD is an optional feature. At this point, we don’t know, but automatic transmission could get an upgrade, and more modern V-6 is on the cards.
Sienna Minivan and its Competition
As we already mentioned 2018 Toyota Sienna will be hatched in a sea full of predators. Some of its mainstream rivals are and will be 2018 Honda Odyssey, 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest, Dodge Grand Caravan, etc.
