It seems to us that minivans often get labeled as purely family haulers, but the Sienna has long redefined what a modern van can be. With its standard hybrid drivetrain, exceptional ride quality, plush interior, and cavernous cargo space, it proved to us again that the segment is alive and well–and still one of the smartest choices for families on the road.

First Impressions: Beauty in Utility

The Cypress green paint was one of the first features we noticed and came to appreciate. Under winter sunlight, it shifted from deep forest tones to brighter metallic highlights, giving off a premium look that felt right at home on the Platinum trim. Paired with the model’s bold front fascia, LED lighting, and 20-inch wheels, the Sienna had enough curb appeal that even had our neighbors asking, “Is that really a minivan?”

One winter morning we walked out to find the Sienna covered lightly with frost. A quick tap on the remote started warming things up, and we were reminded again that Toyota designed this model for real life–Utah winters included.

Hybrid Power and All-Wheel Confidence

For 2025, the Sienna continued with Toyota’s proven hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder system, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While that number may not sound overwhelming, the delivery proved to be smooth, immediate, and perfectly matched to a vehicle that prioritizes efficiency and stability.

With the added assurance of electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, we found the Sienna perfectly suited for our early-December driving across Utah County. Whether cruising along I-15 on the way to work or navigating the neighborhood during chilly mornings, the van felt planted and composed.

The hybrid system also gave us impressive fuel economy–averaging in the high 30-mpg range throughout the week, even with a mix of city and highway driving. That kind of efficiency in a people-moving, gear-hauling vehicle felt like a form of magic.

Daily Driving Around Utah County

Most of our week with the Sienna was spent doing what any local family or working couple might do–driving back and forth to work, running errands, stopping for groceries, and visiting with family. The Sienna slipped into these routines effortlessly.

Inside, the Platinum trim surrounded uswith leather seating, heated and ventilated fronts, second-row captain’s chairs, rich accent stitching, and Toyota’s excellent infotainment system displayed on a crisp 12.3-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked perfectly all week, and the available JBL premium sound system made everything–from podcasts to Christmas music–a treat.

The Sienna’s ride quality deserves a special mention. Toyota tuned this suspension for comfort first, and it shows. Long freeway runs into Provo or Orem felt smooth and quiet, and even on bumpy roads through neighborhoods the Sienna soaked up imperfections with the grace of a luxury SUV. It’s the kind of vehicle where the miles seem to simply melt away.

Winter Utility at the Springville City Holiday Festival

One of the unique opportunities we had during our week with the Sienna was using it for the Springville City Holiday Festival during the first weekend of December. Craig has been helping with sound and lighting for years, and transporting the equipment is often one of the more complicated parts of the job. Not this time.

With the third row folded down flat and the huge sliding doors on both sides, the Sienna instantly transformed into a professional-grade cargo hauler. We were amazed–once again–by just how much usable room Toyota engineers have built into this minivan. Speakers, lighting stands, cables, crates, and accessories all fit with room to spare.

During the especially cold afternoon load-in, Craig appreciated being able to keep gear warm inside the cabin while the hybrid system idled silently. It’s a unique perk that comes with Toyota’s hybrid design–quiet power without the rumble or emissions you’d get from traditional idling.

If there were an award for “Most Helpful Holiday Festival Vehicle,” the Sienna would have taken home the trophy this year.

Comfort for Every Passenger

One of the most common questions we get about minivans is whether they are still the kings of passenger comfort. After a week in the Sienna, our answer was still an enthusiastic yes.

The second-row captain’s chairs in the Platinum trim were some of the nicest seats we’ve had outside a luxury SUV–deeply cushioned, well-bolstered, with plenty of room to stretch out. Families will appreciate the built-in sunshades, USB ports, and multi-zone climate control. Adults will appreciate simply never having to fight for knee room.

Toyota also continues to lead the pack in practicality: sliding doors open with a button press on the key fob, dashboard, or handles; the step-in height is perfect for kids or grandparents; visibility is outstanding; and the cabin materials feel durable without being utilitarian.

Technology That Makes Life Easier

Toyota has packed the 2025 Sienna Platinum with the full suite of modern driver-assist features. Lane centering, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors all functioned smoothly and predictably throughout our week of commuting.

The bird’s-eye 360-degree camera was one of our favorite features–it made tight parking lots around Orem and American Fork easier to navigate, and it was incredibly useful when backing up to the storage shed while loading equipment.

We also grew to appreciate the hands-free power sliding doors during times when our arms were full of sound gear, groceries, or Christmas decorations. Being able to open everything with a quick motion under the door was a fantastic quality-of-life improvement.

Beyond the high-tech cameras and safety suites, we also appreciated the ‘low-tech’ brilliance of the built-in Sienna-Vac. Being able to quickly vacuum out the floorboards after a long weekend of loading and unloading gear at the festival was a luxury we didn’t know we needed until we had it.

At the End of the Week

At the end of the week, we found ourselves a bit sad to see the 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD leave our driveway. It isn’t often that a vehicle manages to be both the perfect daily commuter and the perfect workhorse for a busy weekend event–but the Sienna accomplished both with ease.

The Cypress green paint, comfortable interior, outstanding efficiency, and sheer versatility made it one of the most pleasant test-drive weeks we’ve had this year. Whether you’re shuttling family, hauling equipment, commuting to work, or taking long trips, the 2025 Sienna knows how to elevate the ordinary.

Base Price: $56,905

Destination Charge: $1,450

Price as Driven: $59,534