The Toyota Sienna: A Minivan that Still Makes Sense
Minivans are becoming a rare sight on the road, with most families choosing crossover SUVs instead. But as our recent test drive of the Toyota Sienna proved, the minivan is still the king of practicality. We took a Sienna Platinum on a trip and found that it’s everything you could want in a family vehicle, and it can do things a crossover just can’t.
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A Closer Look at the Sienna
The Toyota Sienna has a starting price of around $40,000, while our top-of-the-line Platinum model was priced at $58,634. All Sienna models come with a hybrid engine, and ours had the extra benefit of AWD (all-wheel drive). The best part about a minivan is its unbeatable space. We even found out firsthand that you can comfortably sleep inside, which is not something you can easily do in a standard crossover.
Are Minivans Really Dying?
Sales data shows that minivans are indeed a shrinking market. In 2022, they made up only 3.6% of new vehicle sales in the U.S., a big drop from 6.6% in 2016. A few decades ago, minivans were everywhere, with sales hitting 1.3 million units in 2000. Today, that number has dropped to below 200,000 in a typical election cycle, as families are choosing SUVs instead.
Here is a quick look at the decline of minivan sales in the U.S. over the years:
What’s Next for the Minivan?
Despite the shrinking market, brands like Toyota, Stellantis, Honda, and Kia are still committed to the minivan. They are fighting over a small but loyal group of buyers who prioritize space and practicality. The Toyota Sienna, with its hybrid powertrain and available AWD, is a perfect example of how the minivan is evolving to meet modern needs. While SUVs are more popular, the minivan remains a great choice for families that need maximum space and comfort.
