2023 Sienna XSE | Real Owner Dislikes | Minivan Dad

[@i2isam]

Thanks for saving me from getting the xse. Everyone said that their is no felt difference in the ride quality but in reality drivers like us who really can feel the difference is a big issue. Will be getting the xle instead

[@adeilakram]

I have the XLE.. love its suspension.. no problems

[@stephenlarter5394]

Hey! It’s the Sports edition it’s gonna ride stiff. Duh!

[@mamai247]

Thanks for the walkthrough. We’ve been waiting for XLE for 15 months and found an XSE available and went with it instead. Getting it next week.

[@MinivanDad]

Congratulations on getting one! Im surprised you were able to get an XSE before an XLE. It'll be great regardless :)

[@Guotshol2024]

I have XLE 2023 and happy with it.

[@peteryang8652]

The Sienna XSE has stiff and hash suspension, even the smallest road imperfections will cause it to shake all over, with various interior components making all kinds of squeaks and rattles, like a symphony orchestra. It was my first minivan and it looked good: lowed body, big wheels low profile tire, sport body kit. Aside from the vibration and noise, it didn't give me any sense of a sports car. I sold this POS within a year.

[@peteryang8652]

I had the AWD version with 18" wheels... I can imagine the FWD models with 20" wheels are worse! I didn't have an XSE to test drive beforehand, but I had a sienna LE rental and I liked it. I didn't think the XSE would be THAT much stiffer... well, it is folks. Find a way to go for a test drive. the XSE also does not have the acoustic glass or sound deadening, so with the stiffer suspension I feel that it transfers more noise into the cabin. the suspension is just overkill for a minivan.

[@MinivanDad]

I feel you. After almost a year with my XSE, my opinion remains the same about it's firm/harsh suspension compared to my sisters smooth woodlands edition XLE...although both are still noisy. As mentioned I would've preferred an XLE back then, but wife wanted a few things only the XSE has. I wouldn't call it a POS though haha. In reality you really wanted a higher trim limited or platinum with quieter acoustic glass and more comfortable ride... with the front bumper of an XSE. I hear some people have done this with their platinums. Now that I've had mine a year and 15k miles, I really wanted a limited (ventilated seats, acoustic glass, folding mirrors, memory seats). regardless, XSE is still a great car and I've had no issues. Whenever the Sienna refresh comes and if it has a decent amount of positive changes, I MAY trade it in for a limited.

[@andrewyang1446]

For me, the 2nd row seats sat too close to the window, that my shoulder had no room to wriggle. Kinda almost felt claustrophobic.

[@kingward8426]

I beat the car charger problem. Mine was a dealer add-on (XSE plus package) through a third party. When the one first installed didn't work satisfactorily, I got a second one that charges reliably through a case. You should have insisted.

[@sushantnaik11]

Nice video. I like the LED taillights and the folding mirrors on XSE but sports suspension is a deal breaker so going with XLE. Wonder what else I would miss on XLE. Btw how much mpg do you get for city driving?

[@MinivanDad]

You wouldn't miss much going with the XLE other than maybe the black/gray interior. the new 2024's have a XSE premium package that would have given me all the creature comforts I was looking for (minus the sport suspension). I got the car in August, and it was extreme 110 degree days with heat index of 115 and up almost every day.. so the AC was on full blast making the MPG drop avg'ed about 29-30mpg. Worst tank was about 27mpg during a scorching hot week. My best was a 39mpg tank as we go into cooler months now down here in the south

[@DavidD-fj3vq]

Im getting 23mpg in the cold winter here in nj with the heat on

[@MinivanDad]

@@DavidD-fj3vq yea I wouldn't be surprised. Heat is sourced from the engine, which has to run to warm up the cabin...killing the MPG. if it makes you feel any better , in the heat down here in the south with the AC at full blast..I got 25mpg once in August. Hybrid mpg is maximized in moderate climates. extreme climates it does terrible.

[@cg1885]

In Canada, XLE does not come in AWD or option for captains chair for the middle row. Wanted the XLE, but wanted awd more for snow. Tough choices.

[@adeilakram]

@@cg1885have an XLE 2021.. love the car overall.. Because it’s pretty cold here we don’t get the advertised mileage between December to March.. But overall love this vehicle 😊

[@hmfem3656]

Didn't you at least notice some of the dislikes you are discussing here before you purchased this minivan ?

[@jshdjejs6600]

No I don’t ! It just look better.

[@MinivanDad]

as many dislikes as I have I still prefer this van over the competition. This video just highlights what I didn't like is all. I knew the XSE had harsher suspension and would have been fine with an XLE, but like I mentioned the wife wins out lol. The rear entertainment system I really don't like, but it's factory installed and since it's so hard to get our hands on a Sienna we decided to go for it.

[@danieljohnson5125]

I have a 2022 xle and i like it alot after owning a chrysler pacifica 2017 I have no complaint about it. The suspension in mine is fine. The head room is flying. The seats go back-and-forth fine. What the gas mileage? I You don't like something don't buy it so i'm gonna say

[@fhickson]

You mentioned you don't like many of the design and aesthetic aspects of the Sienna. WHY DID YOU BUY IT?

[@MinivanDad]

Lol chill bro. I got it for reliability and hybrid AWD. It still beats ALL the competition, to me at least. I have not made a "why I like it" video, but it far outweighs the cons/dislikes I have about it.

[@zumezoom9593]

How on earth did you get the new sienna? There's a wait list for this van in Vancouver expected 2 years and it'll cost more than 65k.I'm so jealous

[@luisjaras3606]

I got my 2024 XLE in 3 weeks. Msrp price.

[@모-o4l]

I came from 2014 Sienna XLE to 2023 Sienna XSE 7 seaters. Same issue. Riding quality on 2nd low seats on new vehicle is horrible. I first thought mine is a lemon, but after searching it online, it is what it is. Anyway my kids on the 2nd low seats do not care as much as I care. And we love 37mpg. We used to fill up gas once a week with 2014 XLE, now once per 3 weeks.

[@TOBYH]

2ND LOW SEATS? HOW LOW ARE THEY? TOO LOW?

[@bigjohnson-o2f]

should have gotten a XLE and change the front/rear bumper with XSE. It has been done.

[@mcmickey3344]

The 1500w converter seems like a unique feature to have. But on the platinum trim it seems that we need to have the rear entertainment system. Do you think that's OK or just skip the 1500 w inverter? Also, awd or fwd?

[@MinivanDad]

I like the 1500w inverter. AWD vs FWD depends on personal preference, or even your location. I imagine if you live up north where it snows a lot, AWD is great to have. Otherwise, FWD is all that's really needed. On my XSE opting for AWD only added $750 or so to the overall price of the car... it was a no brainer for me.

[@mcmickey3344]

@@MinivanDad so if you had to choose, you would go with a woodland with 1500w inverter and NO RES. or the platinum with 1500w inverter + res? Platinum has the acoustic glass and leather seats, which I like. BUt i don't like the res. very difficult

[@MinivanDad]

Easily I would go platinum if money were no object. The platinum's acoustic glass, ventilated seats, memory seats, 360 view, auto-dimming sideview mirrors, digital rear view mirror option, heated steering wheel, HUD.. all that makes the RES a minor issue.

[@mcmickey3344]

@@MinivanDad Thank you sir. Sounds like a great approach. Also, any of the other options you would suggest get for sure from the port? Thinking the following: + all weather floor liner package + roof rack cross bars + Mudguards + Alloy wheel locks But wondering what you think of the paint protection film on either the hood, fender, mirror backs or the front bumper, and the body side moldings or any of the cargo organizers?

[@MinivanDad]

@@mcmickey3344 i chose not to get anything added from the dealer, but that's just me lol. I do have all weather mats (changed to 3w), mud guards, and side molding factory installed and they're nice..but if i had the option I probably would not have got them. I am also looking to buy crossbars for roof rack and installing myself since I have a cargo box. I am not worried about anyone taking my wheels, so I have no locks. I don't have any paint protection or cargo organizers. So far after 5k miles now, I don't see a need for a cargo organizer myself, though that might be different for you. I like using the full trunk space with rear seats folded down sometimes and a cargo organizer would just make doing that a hassle.

[@paulkuzia9236]

I’ve watched a lot of Sienna videos and have not seen this information. How flat do the 2nd row seats adjust? Flat enough for sleeping? I’ve seen a couple videos with the seat back at maybe a 45 degree angle but no mention of how far back they go.

[@ricmagik]

2nd row seats can’t lay flat, you’ll have to remove them with a certain trick.

[@paulkuzia9236]

Thanks for the info.@@ricmagik

[@MinivanDad]

The 2nd row seats cannot fold flat, they can only be placed into an 'upright' position and moved far forward against the first or third row for more capacity. If the 2nd row captain seats are in it's most upright position and slammed against the first row, and with the 3rd row folded down, the floor itself is not fully flat unfortunately.

[@paulkuzia9236]

Thanks for the info.@@MinivanDad

[@jbradleysao]

Was your question about the seats folding flat onto the floor, or was it about how far you can lean the seat back while sitting in it? I’d like to know the answer to the latter. In other words if you are sitting in the seat, how far back does it recline.

[@click411]

Of course you are welcome to your opinion but I think it's a beautiful car I want to get one I don't know about the suspension and thanks for telling me that but as far as designers don't really have in mind that people are going to crawl over the seats when the car is moving when they designed the seat

[@mnn1265]

If you've had kids of course you've walked back while driving but I don't think it matters that the designers didn't have that in mind because it is still a real negative feature. I can see issues with that same feature when I'm loading large 4x8 sheets, large items etc when I'm using it for cargo duty. Not sure if the designers took that into account? It also seems pretty uninspiring and my kids scoffed at it when we looked at one... they said no thanks dad I'll keep my pad or phone. The baby might like it though but for $1500 addon I'd still go for my own solution. The lack of independent suspension in the rear just detracts from the ride that already seems behind the Odyssey. Not to be contrary, and honestly the looks of a minivan aren't a high priority of mine but I don't like the front or rear styling. I may still buy it regardless as I've not made up my mind but I appreciated knowing about these little features that can really impact the daily experience with a vehicle. I've not seen the newest 23 model for either Sierra or Odyssey but from the videos it looks like the interior quality is superior in the Honda. I'll have to check that out in person.

[@TOBYH]

CHROME PLASTIC HUBCAPS??? REALLY? MY 2012 SIENNA XLE RIDES GREAT! SO SMOOTH, AND 266 H.P. SMOOTHEST ENGINE EVER, 6 SPEED AUTO, 74 K MILES, WILL NOT GIVE IT UP!

[@TanTran-fe7rf]

It also does not come with a spare tire?

[@MinivanDad]

my XSE AWD came with a spare tire. it is an option.

[@TOBYH]

@@MinivanDad YES 75 BUCKS, NOT BAD.

[@EPiK277]

Where did you buy the phone holder

[@MinivanDad]

From the Amazonians amzn.to/3Sw84dP

[@jshdjejs6600]

so XLE is better?

[@MinivanDad]

Not exactly. XSE has "sport tuned" suspension that gives it a stiffer ride, the tradeoff is better handling characteristics. XSE also has different front and rear bumpers that may be more appealing. Those are the obvious differences. I think it depends on who's buying. I would've been happy with an XLE, my wife wanted XSE. Guess who wins those fights lol

[@jshdjejs6600]

@@MinivanDad how is XLE handling

[@MinivanDad]

@@jshdjejs6600 just fine for a minivan. in fact, smoother. Which is what I would have preferred.

[@TOBYH]

@@MinivanDad I LIKE THE DARKER CHROME HUBCAPS INSTEAD OF THE CHROME, BUT I UNDERSTAND THE AWD COMES WITH THE CHROME, THE BLACK IS MORE SPORTY THOUGH. I NEVER LIKED THE BLACK, BUT IT GREW ON ME.

[@Greg_C87]

I own the same vehicle and love it. The reason you can't remove the 2nd row seat is because it has airbags installed therefore making it safer which im okay with. Also they discounted the rear backup camera with the entertainment system because of the chip shortage. The 2021 sienna's do have that camera but nothing afterwards will have it.

[@californiadreaming567]

sounds like you hate the car but the Subaru has great technology

[@jshdjejs6600]

How much OTD

[@MinivanDad]

Got this one at MSRP + state taxes, title, license, document fee.

[@jshdjejs6600]

@@MinivanDadhow long wait?

[@MinivanDad]

it took 4 months to find... I was not on a waitlist at the dealership i bought it from. i called and asked if there were any that had not been 'allocated' to anyone yet, this was not and was still on delivery truck, and NOT yet listed on their inventory... but it was in their system if they looked. so i was able to put my name down to reserve it by a new salesman, in a way skipping the 'line' with a lot of luck too. @@jshdjejs6600

[@jshdjejs6600]

@@MinivanDad it’s already there, they are just hiding cars.

[@jshdjejs6600]

@@MinivanDadhow much

[@huang221]

The van is just lacking power, the Prius Prime has 220 hp and the Sienna has only 240 hp?? That’s ridiculous! Not to mention the screen is like last decade technology.

[@MinivanDad]

the power is adequate for this van. a lot of people have this same opinion, and so did I until I drove it. I've driven the old sienna with the v6, and this thing feels just as capable getting up to speed (maybe even better in sport mode in my opinion). If you want power get the new grand highlander with the 360+HP hybrid max.

[@TOBYH]

MY 2012 HAS THE 266 H.P V6, TONS OF POWER, I DON'T DRIVE TOO FAR, I AM 77, SO THE V6 IS GREAT FOR US, NO HILL SLOWS US DOWN.

[@huang221]

@@TOBYHmine is 2012 as well and the V6 is just sweet to have

[@youarerightboss]

Try towing with it

[@ricmagik]

I wonder if having 5 children in this Sienna will be too much for the 4cyl? Been thinking of buying one but stuck with V6 mindset lol

[@MinivanDad]

i don't plan on towing anything other than bikes. and I have a roof cargo box for other things. these new sienna's have a 3500lb towing capacity so it's adequate for a small trailer if needed. anything else, I'd just borrow a truck.

[@richardmr2]

What kind of phone holder is that?

[@MinivanDad]

this one: amzn.to/3Sw84dP I love it, I attach it to the flat plastic area behind the infotainment display and it's been working perfectly since I've had the car.

[@richardmr2]

@@MinivanDad Thank you~! Where do you have the suction cup to?

[@MinivanDad]

@@richardmr2 flat plastic area behind infotainment display

[@youarerightboss]

Dislike: weak 4 cylinder engine

[@MinivanDad]

it's adequate enough especially for fuel efficiency. the only drawback is the droning which i can live with that.

[@joet2678]

What you mean by droning?

[@alexvaliansky7707]

@@joet2678He means that the engine gets noisy, making a droning or growling sound.

[@MondayNightRAWsRKO2024-xk9ew]

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Touring Limited S AWD is a much better van.

[@TOBYH]

CHECK OUT THE RELIABILITY, CONSUMER REPORTS DOESN'T RECOMMEND THEM, LOOK WHO MAKES IT STELANTIS.

[@MondayNightRAWsRKO2024-xk9ew]

@TOBYH yeah Toyotas aren't that good anymore either! I agree with you they don't recommend them much now