The Toyota Sienna has long been a go-to choice for families, thanks to its roomy interior and top-notch safety features. But with several generations under its belt, not all model years are created equal. Some shine brighter than others, while a few might leave you wishing you’d done more research.
Ready to dive into the world of Siennas? We’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide breaks down every Toyota Sienna model year, from the greatest of the bunch to the ones you might want to steer clear of. We’ll even introduce you to our ‘neutral’ picks – those average years that neither wow nor disappoint.
Here’s the lowdown on all four generations of the Toyota Sienna:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna (1st generation, XL10) | 1998-2003 |
| Toyota Sienna (2nd generation, XL20) | 2004-2010 |
| Toyota Sienna (3rd generation, XL30) | 2011-2020 |
| Toyota Sienna (4th generation, XL40) | 2021-Present |
Knowing these generations is crucial. Why? Because each one brings substantial changes that could make or break your decision. We’ve combed through tons of data to rank each model year as ‘Best,’ ‘Neutral,’ or ‘Worst.’ Trust us, we’ve done our homework.
What do we mean by ‘Neutral Years’? These are the Siennas that don’t exactly set the world ablaze, but they won’t leave you stranded either. They’re the reliable middle children of the Sienna family – not flashy, but they get the job done.
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| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL10 (1998-2003) | 2000 2001 2002 | 1998 1999 | 2003 |
| XL20 (2004-2010) | 2005 2006 | 2004 2009 | 2007 2008 2010 |
| XL30 (2011-2020) | 2011 2012 2015 2016 2018 2020 | 2013 | 2014 2017 2019 |
| XL40 (2021-Present) | 2021 2023 | 2022 | N/A |
How did we come up with these rankings? We examined everything:
- What owners are saying (surveys don’t lie)
- How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
- Safety ratings (because family comes first)
- Consumer Reports’ take on reliability and owner satisfaction
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the less, the better)
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Remember, some of these factors are like golf scores – the lower, the better. More recalls? That’s a strike against reliability, and down goes the count.
Table of ContentsShow
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 1st Generation (1998-2003)
In 1998, Toyota rolled out the initial-gen Sienna, ready to show the minivan world a thing or two about safety and comfort.
The Best Years: 2000, 2001, 2002
These years? They’re the champions of the first generation. The 3.0L V6 engine was a powerhouse, and the safety tech was cutting-edge. Owners raved about comfort and ride quality, with fewer headaches reported. The 2002 model? It aced the crash tests, making it the top performer of its class.
The Neutral Years: 1998, 1999
The debut years weren’t bad, but Toyota was still finding its footing in minivan territory. These Siennas were reliable enough and played it safe, but lacked some of the bells and whistles that came later. No substantial red flags here, earning them a solid ‘Neutral’ badge.
The Worst Years: 2003
Ah, 2003. Not Toyota’s finest hour for the Sienna. Engine oil sludge became a four-letter word for many owners, leading to engine failures. Steering problems also reared their hideous heads. It’s enough to land this year in our ‘Least appealing’ category for the first gen.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 2nd Generation (2004-2010)
2004 saw Toyota giving the Sienna a significant facelift. Sleeker looks, more space, and a feature list that grew quicker than your kids.
The Best Years: 2005, 2006
These years hit the prime spot. The new 3.3L V6 engine brought more horses to the stable and a smoother ride. Throw in those clever collapsible third-row seats and the option for all-wheel-drive, and you’ve got the cream of the second-gen crop.
The Neutral Years: 2004, 2009
The 2004 model was the fresh kid on the block, bringing innovative features but also some first-year jitters. 2009? It was the dependable middle child – not making waves, good or bad. These years earn our ‘Neutral’ stamp.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2010
These years saw more troubles than a math textbook. Power sliding doors decided to rebel, and air conditioning became optional (not by design). Add in a handful of recalls, and Toyota’s reliability rep took a hit. That’s why these years land in our ‘Worst’ category for gen two.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 3rd Generation (2011-2020)
2011 brought another Sienna makeover. This time, Toyota went all-out on interior coziness and enough entertainment features to rival a residential theater.
The Best Years: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020
These model years brought their A-game. The 3.5L V6 engine delivered more power and improved MPGs. Refined interior materials, a souped-up infotainment system, and the addition of Toyota Safety Sense P in 2018 kept raising the bar. No wonder they’re our premier picks for gen three.
The Neutral Years: 2013
2013 didn’t make waves, but it didn’t sink either. It kept delivering the Sienna goods – comfort, reliability, and strong performance. That’s ‘Neutral’ territory in our book.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2017, 2019
These years saw more complaints about interior quality and ongoing entertainment system quirks. The uptick in these issues is enough to earn them the ‘Worst’ label for the third generation.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 4th Generation (2021-Present)
Gen four brought a plot twist – Sienna went hybrid-only. Toyota bet big on fuel efficiency while maintaining that spacious, comfortable interior we all know and value.
The Best Years: 2021, 2023
These years are hybrid champions. Exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing performance? Check. Contemporary interior design and a safety feature list longer than your grocery receipt? Double-check. Positive owner reviews are just the cherry on top. These are the finest of the current bunch.
The Neutral Years: 2022
2022 didn’t reinvent the wheel from 2021, but it kept all the good stuff – exceptional fuel economy, comfort, and performance. That lands it squarely in our ‘Neutral’ category.
The 4th gen is still fresh off the lot, so we don’t have any ‘Worst’ years to report. So far, all models have been bringing their first-rate game in performance and reliability.
Toyota Sienna Average Resale Values
Curious about how much these Siennas are worth on the used market? Check out our graph:
Conclusion
Toyota’s given us quite a journey with the Sienna over the years. Some models knocked it out of the park, while others… well, let’s just say they taught Toyota some vital lessons.
We’ve laid out the Toyota Sienna years to avoid and the ones to grab. But now it’s your turn. Have you had a Sienna parked in your driveway? What year, and how did it treat you? Your story could be the deciding factor for someone eyeing a Sienna right now.
Drop your exciting adventure in the comments below.
Let’s help fellow drivers make the appropriate choice!
