Roomy Hauler For People And Their Things
I take no shame in admitting a love of minivans. These creatures of great convenience, for some reason, have drawn the distain of many people. Some may say it puts them in the category of being a “Minivan Mom”; others say “I will never drive a minivan!” Neither would stand up in a court of law as a rational excuse for not owning the 2020 Toyota Sienna.
Power and Efficiency
Clean Fleet Report drove the front-wheel drive 2020 Toyota Sienna SE Premium Nightshade Edition, powered by a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The Sienna also is available with all-wheel drive (AWD), an option exclusive to Toyota among minivans. So if your driving conditions include ice, snow and heavy rain, AWD may be a major consideration when looking at vehicles capable of weathering winter weather and also carrying up-to eight people.
Using 87 octane fuel, the 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque in the Sienna never lacked for power. The engine and transmission combination earned an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 city/26 highway/21 combined. In 215 miles of driving throughout Southern California we averaged 21.8 miles per gallon. In a 115-mile all-freeway trip, with the dynamic radar cruise control set to 65 miles per hour, we achieved 28.4 mpg. These numbers place the Sienna at the mid-point among its competitors, coming in below the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, but a bit better than the Kia Sedona. However, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid blows them all away, as it can go 33 miles on a pure electric charge. This is the true fuel economy champ among minivans.
Driving Versatility: On the Road
The 2020 Toyota Sienna SE Premium Nightshade Edition delivered a generally smooth, solid and quiet ride in town and on the freeway. The curb weight of 4,605 pounds made the Sienna feel heavy, which is good for cruising, but not-so-good for handling. The sport-calibrated electric power steering was plodding, with the front end diving when pushed hard into corners and body roll most noticeable on the tightest corners. Interior noise levels were very low, thanks in part to the 0.30 coefficient of drag (cd).
But let’s not get hung up on handling, as the Sienna is not marketed as a sports minivan. Not even sure there is such a thing! The all-season 235/50 Michelin Primacy tires, mounted on 19-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, provided good grip and were unaffected by Southern California’s grooved concrete freeway pavement. The power-assisted, ventilated four-wheel anti-lock brakes were aided by brake assist, and traction and electronic stability control for even and controlled stops. The overall drivability and behind-the-wheel time in the Sienna was a good experience.
Exterior Design
The Sienna was last completely redesigned in 2011, and it shows a bit dated. New for 2020, Toyota spices things up a bit with an aesthetic package of the Sienna Nightshade Edition. Design elements add a black sport mesh grille, black door handles, wheels, mirror caps, and spoiler. Exterior Nightshade colors are Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Super White and, like our test Sienna, Salsa Red Pearl. This appearance package adds a bit of eye appeal, but expect a new overall design in the coming years.
Interior Space Is the Key
If you are in the market for a minivan, then hauling needs must be a big part of your life. Where else can you go for a vehicle that can accommodate up to eight people or swallow a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood? No pickup truck can do that. With the second and third rows in place, the Sienna has best-in-class space; drop those seats and it increases. The power third row, with a one motion stowing system, hides them under the floor.
As a people mover, the 2020 Sienna has found its sweet spot. Clean Fleet Report drove the Sienna SE Premium Nightshade Edition in the three-row configuration of 2+2+3. The second row Captain’s Chairs had a removable center seat insert that was best to be avoided by adults. When not in use, this quasi-seat stores away in a dedicated compartment. The second-row outbound seats recline a few inches, and slide for excellent leg room. Headroom throughout the cabin was generous. The HVAC controls and vents for the second-row passengers, along with the ceiling-mounted flip down Blu-Ray screen, were appreciated conveniences.
The driver and front passenger get leather-trimmed, heated seats, with the driver’s eight-way power adjustable. The tall seating position gave a commanding look of the road from front seats that were comfortable and supportive for long road trips. The cockpit layout is simple and clean, with more hard than 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 white faced with black numbers. Cup holders seem to be everywhere in the cabin, so there will be no excuse for anyone becoming parched.
Clean Fleet Report is a big fan of the Sienna radio with on/off knobs for volume and channel selecting and the three-zone automatic climate control wheels that were a different size than those of the radio. One issue that we also noted on the Toyota Land Cruiser, was that the driver needs to lean forward and to the right to reach the radio knobs. The next generation Sienna must have a more conveniently and ergonomically-placed infotainment system, plus one with a larger screen and larger buttons. But please Toyota, keep the knobs!
The 7.0-inch touchscreen housed Toyota’s Entune JBL sound system. The 10-speakers with a subwoofer amplifier delivered excellent sounds for the AM/FM/HD/CD, with SiriusXM, Siri Eyes Free, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Connectivity and power were through aux-in jacks, multiple USB ports, 120-volt and watt power outlets, and Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free telephone. The Verizon Wi-Fi is a must for keeping those second row passengers occupied (and quiet) on long family road trips.
The list of convenience features on the Sienna SE Premium Nightshade is what you would expect, including a smart key with push-button start, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, anti-theft engine immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The power twin sliding doors and liftgate are very helpful, as are the power exterior mirrors and windows and the power tilt and slide sunroof.
Safety Features
All 2020 Sienna trim levels come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense-P advanced driving system. This includes dynamic radar 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 very helpful surround view camera is only available on the highest trim level. The Sienna has eight airbags, consisting of front and second row; driver knee; and side curtain airbags with roll sensors.
The 2020 Sienna has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning its highest 5 Star crash safety rating.
Pricing and Warranties
The 2020 Toyota Sienna comes in L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited trim levels, ranging in base price of $31,565 to $49,340. Clean Fleet Report’s 2020 Toyota Sienna SE Premium Nightshade Edition, with optional equipment, had a MSRP of $44,898. All prices do not include the $1,120 delivery, processing and handling fee.
The 2020 Sienna comes with these warranties.
- Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Two years/25,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance – Two years/25,000 miles
- Corrosion Perforation – Unlimited miles
Observations: 2020 Toyota Sienna SE Premium Nightshade Edition
Don’t be that person that says “I will never drive a minivan.” If you are in the market for a versatile vehicle, that has massive storage capacity and can comfortably seat up-to eight, then go test drive a 2020 Toyota Sienna. If you really want to drive in style, check-out the Nightshade Edition. Your local Toyota dealer will walk you through all the different Sienna models, so you can find one that fits your lifestyle.
Toyota announced recently that by model year 2025 all its vehicles will have an electric option. With the Sienna due for a redesign, don’t be surprised if the next one you consider will be either a hybrid, or possibly a plug-in hybrid that would compete head-to-head with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!
Related Stories You Might Enjoy—Minivan Options
Road Test: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
Road Test: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Road Test: 2014 Honda Odyssey
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 diesels. 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 publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
A minivan has been my choice of vehicle for work for the last 20 years.
I haver had both the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna and both have been brilliant vehicles.
They have better space than any SUV and also have better mileage than any SUV.
Comfort is excellent and reliability is unquestioned. My ’05 Sienna has 190,000 miles and still drives as new.
My ’16 Odyssey is even more attractive as it has the latest electronics for infotainment and safety (rear camera etc) but the current Sienna is its equal.
A less obvious advantage is that while they are produced in large numbers, they move slowly off the lots where the customers are more concerned about their macho insecurities. As a consequence I saved over $5000 off MSRP on my Odyssey. An SUV in addition costing you more at the dealer, continues to cost you more in fuel and insurance.
Mark,
You have figured out something very valuable–when something works, embrace it. That’s the minivan motto (and applies to many other vehicle categories). Glad you figured that out and have been prospering because of it. –ed.