Vans Are Better Than SUVs - 2024 Toyota Sienna XSE Review!

[@HelloRoad]

What do you think? Team minivan? Or team SUV?

[@macktate9144]

Van ftw

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

This would be the dream camping vehicle as you can run the heat or air all night long ~ I live and work on the road with the Prius and would love to have the extra room. However, The price is prohibitive for me. And I still enjoy the better MPGs of the Prius. Maybe one day. ~ For off-road 3rd gen 4Runner

[@SnarkyRC]

Team station wagon.

[@tage_heritage]

Van! After the 2010's van's became cool again. As a dad, I drive mine with pride!

[@albertchou4476]

Complete vANARCHY

[@Sunflowrrunner]

My brother let me borrow his Grand Caravan for a while when I was a teenager and I've been on team minivan ever since.

[@skf6199]

My brother let me borrow his old beat up Sienna after college when I had to commute for my first job. Since then I owned various SUVs and sports sedans. Now being a dad, I love my Odyssey.

[@Weaseltube]

Minivans are more practical than absolutely anything else. SUV, pickup, full size van, you name it. I've hauled my motorcycle enclosed in the back. Also 4x8 sheets of hardware and 12 foot lumber, inside. Used it to camp out for 2 people comfortably. Drove 7 people around when they were visiting from out of town. Never needed a roof rack or trailer. Less costly, better fuel economy, lower insurance rates, fits anywhere, all the mod-cons. The one downside is people will think you're a dowdy suburbanite who's lost your zest for life. Luckily nobody buys their car as a fashion statement, right? RIGHT?

[@ryannatividad3137]

I honestly don't think minivans really are any more dowdy suburbanite than a Highlander, Pilot, Chevy Tahoe, or the like. I would even go as far as to say that the styling on most modern minivans are a bit more adventurous and sleeker than the sea of boring, boxy SUVs and crossovers. There are exceptions with cars like the Mazda crossovers, or the luxury/sport crossovers, but the majority of "affordable" three-row crossover SUVs scream dull suburbanite as much as any van.

[@kurticusmaximus]

I've always been impressed with the sheer LACK of space in a huge Suburban's third row. A huge vehicle like that cant have more third row room? Minivans FTW.

[@crunchyblack2224]

I traded in my suburban for the sienna. However, the suburban was definitely bigger in every aspect. I do miss the space it had and towing power.

[@djplonghead5403]

@@crunchyblack2224mainly the space behind the 3rd row.

[@jamesjulius5767]

All this Sienna needs is a panoramic moonroof and a updated 14" multimedia touchscreen. That would be the cherry on top. 👌🏽

[@danielberning1240]

In my family, my parents had a 2004 Dodge GC and loved it. My oldest brother purchased a Dodge Caravan years back as a second family use vehicle. Drove the wheels off it and sold it to a friend. Purchased another used Chrysler T & C, drove the wheels off it. Traded that one for a newer used T & C that they still have and everyone uses it. When my kids and I are back to visit them next week, it will be ours to use once again. At 90K, he did have the trans replaced and some other maintenance done to keep it going for many more years. I also have a nephew back in Wisconsin who was only an Audi driver and wouldn't look at anything else. But then the family kept growing and they finally picked up a nice clean 2013 used T & C. He's now a realtor but was an Audi technician for many years. He takes great care of his Chrysler and has had no issues with it at more than 130,000 miles now. Every time their family takes it to Florida each year, he texts me telling me how he will never live without a van again.

[@RetroCarsForever]

My mom has this very van! I drove it recently and agreed on all points. Sure, it's not pretty or fast. But for reliability/space/mpgs, you cant beat it. It's a shame that most people think vans are uncool as they're clearly the best for family hauling. The problem is people don't want the cars that their parents drove, as they're "uncool." So parents now don't want minivans because thats what they're parents had (and that's why OUR parents wanted minivans over station wagons).

[@danielberning1240]

@RetroCarsForever: Well said about the point where those who don't want to drive what their parents drove. I've been in the auto business for 28 years now and that is a very true statement. I've said it before many times. So you had the kids who didn't want the station wagons their parents drove and they went to the mini-van. Then the next group didn't want the mini-van and they went to the SUV's. Thus, this is exactly why I've been shouting from the rooftops about how Ford, GM and others are really stupid for killing off all their cars (sedans, coupes, etc). Because you know what? We have an all new generation who is totally sick of being in gas hog SUV's that their parents have been driving. What will this next generation drive? My prefessional opinion is they will want smaller, cheaper and way more efficient cars and small hatch backs. Time will tell, but don't count cars out just yet even though the manufacturers all want to tell us differently so they can keep selling their huge and very profitable SUV's.

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@danielberning1240 In my mind, CROSSOVERS have already replaced the SUV as the family car of choice for this reason. While they're kind of the same, the kids who grew up in the 2000s are now having children and needing family cars, and the modern crossover is MUCH different than the lumbering 4x4s that their parents had.

[@rushmatic]

I love it and I plan on purchasing the Platinum trim. I already thought of my future van’s name… Jean-Claude Van Dad. 😂😂😂

[@HelloRoad]

Haha that's great!

[@marcogamez6592]

Omg that had me rolling 😭

[@nigel-Rollercam-channel]

For me it is always, hatchback, wagon or minivan.

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

I still drive my 2000 Sienna.

[@thefilmpoets]

Had my Limited for 2 years. 37mpg and feel like the family can do anything with a cargo box attached to the roof. Amazing.

[@bryanracine6144]

Mini-van, Mega-fun! Just wrapped a 1500 mi road trip vacation up and down the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast corridor with our 2011 Sienna last week. Hauled the power five fam in comfort with ample interior space for people + luggage and multiple kayaks on the roof. Good review I'm getting into the market for a next-van, gonna be hard to unseat a Sienna from the top spot on the list.

[@danielberning1240]

You hit the nail on the head. Vans are so much more logical and usable than the majority of the soccer mom gas hog SUV's that nearly nobody ever takes off pavement. Although I will say that even the "mini-vans" of today have also grown just like the rest of America. Because we have to super-size our meals, we now need super-sized gas hogs to haul us around. Bring back the smaller sedans/car and the totally fantastic small hatches based on the sedan. But for nearly any instances, the mini-van is great. I'll take mine in the form of the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV thank you.

[@DaveSchrenk]

PROUD owner of a Honda Odyssey here. The one thing I was wondering about the Sienna is towing. No you don't want to do real towing with a minivan, but we do own a pop up trailer and the Odyssey with a real V6 and a real shifting transmission handles it with ease (about 1200lbs loaded up). I barely know it is behind the van. It is a '15 with 110k mi and we have literally beat the crap out of this thing. It has been a great vehicle, and I try and sell them to friends whenever I can.

[@HelloRoad]

I've been thinking the same thing! The Sienna is rated at 3500 lbs but I would imagine it might be slow going up steep grades with a ton of weight. Might be worth it for the excellent fuel economy at all other times though. 🤔 I'd love to test it out.

[@ATAKER66]

The Kia Carnival will be getting a hybrid powertrain for its next year, although no exact mpg figures havd been disclosed. It'll be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Sienna.

[@kyusencol8394]

is not AWD

[@fallguy4209]

It’s a Kia. So it will be garbage in comparison in reliability and resale value

[@Jallelab99141]

My lord the tech is ancient. How do these not have TSS 3.0 by now. The cameras look like VGA flip phone quality. You need a top tier trim platinum to get a heated steering wheel? No camera to see rear passengers? USB ports only on one side in the third row? These vehicles are going for $50k+. Toyota is sitting on top of the Minivan game so they don't feel the burn to innovate quicker. Shame there is not more competition in this space. Hopefully Kia and Honda up their game and apply some pressure for Sienna to update.

[@wyw201]

Siennas sold in Asia have all the latest tech and updated exterior/ interior. It’s just the North American model 😂. Could be a limitation of Indiana plant and suppliers in the US.

[@67tomcat]

Love the Supra inspired flanks of the Sienna. Way too many SUV's around. I still like passenger cars best, but the minivan has its place.

[@fallguy4209]

Actually the Supra has the inspired side flanks. Sienna and highlander had them first not the Supra

[@geoffreyreuther5260]

I actually really liked owning a minivan when my boys were young. WAY more comfortable and with WAY better interior versatility. My wife's step-sister and fam own and love the new Sienna.

[@Magnetorheological]

It’ll never happen, but I’d love to have a luxury minivan like the Lexus LM here in the states, they’re very popular in Asia and I got to sit in one while I was in Hong Kong…it was sooo comfortable!

[@thebluexb]

Out of all the minivans on sale today, this is definitely one of them!

[@cyu601]

Better choice for E-Bikes than most SUV's.

[@nubetre]

“The bridge” makes me sad. One of the best things about the Previa and first and second generation Sienna was how easily I could walk back to the second row and with the third and especially the fourth generation Sienna, they’ve made it basically impossible, seemingly in a quest to make it more SUV-like, which is just silly. It’s not perfect but I love our (third generation) Sienna. There is simply no better family vehicle than a minivan, unless someone’s off-roading or towing heavy, choosing an SUV is choosing compromise for vanity. I’m proud of my dad-mobile and I fully intend to get another when it dies, even if the kids are out of the house by then.

[@MichaelfromtheGraves]

My mom will only buy Dodge minivans because they leave that space open. She puts her purse there.

[@eto2352]

@@MichaelfromtheGraves The cargo space below the 'bridge' is exactly for purses

[@Weaseltube]

Yeah, that's a deal breaker for me. Use that space to load lengths of lumber, or to squeeze the front wheel of my motorcycle, or to move between back and front when camping in the van. Plus the 2nd row seats that can't be removed. Massive facepalm with the interior layout being so locked down.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ethan , I unironically agree with your assertion that minivans are a better choice than CUVs. In the case of the Sienna, Toyota is so low on supply that I am surprised they send them to press fleets. 🤔

[@Tykoon]

What is CUV. Camper Utility Vehicle?

[@bonohyogurt]

I already have a minivan... 2006 Toyota Sienna, in great shape for its age. And I love it! I would totally consider the current generation of the Sienna. Great video!

[@kimberlyhoang6308]

I miss the Station wagon. Please bring them back!

[@chrisjohanesen]

Team minivan! We have a 2019 Odyssey and it’s unbelievable how much passenger and cargo space it has. Whenever I ride in an SUV it feels like a clown car.

[@ergosteur]

My parents got an Outback after our old Odyssey's transmission gave out for the 3rd time. Since then if I had a dollar for every time my dad has said "if we still had the van..." I'd probably have a solid $50... and I don't live with them lol.

[@androidfleshbot2854]

Just call it Battleship grey and it seems cooler . 🎉

[@CasualnRandom]

Toyota needs to bring the 70s and 80s 4W offroad/lifestyle vans back lol. New designer for external design is much needed.

[@phatmeow7764]

i would even say for really big families if they only could have just the one vehicle a full-sized van is prolly the best!

[@kiefershanks4172]

I've driven the Chrysler Pacifica and it is decent but the drivetrain is pretty unrefined despite having plenty of power. I hear a lot of people complaining about power of the Sienna but I don't see that as much of an issue. Hybrids are so smooth and the power delivery is so linear and controllable that it more than makes up for the lack of ponies in my opinion. I should mention that that lack of power also gives it amazing fuel economy which is really what you want. 0-60 times for minivans is a pretty stupid metric and I guarantee this has plenty of power to get the van up to speed on freeway on-ramps. Also, it's a minivan. Chill my dudes.

[@alexmassengale433]

The Toyota is loud under hard acceleration but what percentage of the time are you accelerating hard? Its a small price to pay for 36 mpg city.

[@BNM0826]

Vans have always fun to drive… ever since I used to drive cargo vans at a job, and rented a Grand Caravan, I was hooked. I just never needed that much space, not to mention the cost and the not wanting to feel like a soccer mom.

[@KL00100]

Love my 2016 XLE AWD.

[@David_Journey]

Absence of rear crash tests for Sienna’s composite rear hatch doors are not confidence inspiring

[@damian99669]

The toyota sienna is an awesome minivan, I just wish they were easier to find or cheaper. I hate the concept of having to reserve one and be at the dealers mercy on price.

[@topofthepalm]

Vans are just as cool as suv.....all boxes, usually in white, black, gray and burgundy

[@fatbart8551]

They’re still in high demand. Dealerships are marking them up $5K or more. Used ones cost as much as new ones. Looks like I’ll be driving my SUV for a while longer.

[@BenjaminDirgo]

I wish it was a plug in Prime as well. But I shudder at what that price would be haha

[@fizzlederp]

Me and my Dad friends are all are sad that Mom's moved on to SUVS... because we all secretly want our own shuttlecraft.. er' minivan

[@fediz4892]

I have exactly the same van. Love it so much! ❤🎉

[@TheMajortanner]

What, no mention of your Previa?

[@HelloRoad]

Previa was great! I sold it to a friend though :/

[@l00tur]

As one dad to another. It’s great to see another dad play tv role of the rational & logical father we all enjoyed in the various 90s feel good films. Minivans get an absolute bad rap and it’s beyond bogus. LOWER CENTER OF GRAVITY should be flashing across the screen, like a clip cut, because that alone makes it far safer than any SUV. Car like physics are also a plus, you lose that with a body on frame or large unibody SUVs. Also far cheaper maintenance items. Brakes, tires, suspension parts, oil changes, and lower insurance premiums. Minivans are a best kept secret to various families who understand what sets them apart…..or they got a wicked deal on a used vehicle even with a low credit score lol.

[@djplonghead5403]

I hope they put the Crown interior into the new sienna.

[@jonathanwachter6864]

I have the 2023 Sienna Platinum in green always been team Party Wagon

[@Bryan-lg3fn]

I had the 2017 sienna great minivan and loved that you can remove the 2nd row seats . what a blunder ( in my opinion ) on toyotas part to not make them removable on the hybrid version ??

[@nwsvndr]

That front bridge is ridiculous. Love the open space between the front seats in the previous generation.

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah I also prefer the open space. They tried too hard to make that area SUV-like! Maybe they'll revert back with the next gen? 🤔

[@rjohnson6961]

I looked at the Honda Odyssey and didn’t like the small armrest they put on the seat. When testing the Sienna, I loved the bridge because it was more comfortable to rest my arm. That was one of the game changers for me. I do wish the Sienna was V6 but the gas mileage counters that.

[@deadboy9955]

SUVs never made sense to me outside of off-road capabilities. Want something spacious? Get a van Want a sedan but with good practicality? Get a wagon. I'd wager that an average wagon is more practical than most SUVs.

[@cormacsage7126]

All purpose vehicle is the best

[@michealknox5554]

Yep, minivans rule. Or should.

[@jamesmasin159]

decent used Lancia Phedra 2.0hdi, my new goal

[@willmak242]

Hybrid Mini van is the best! You know it, I know it, everyone know it too, that’s why sienna always in shortage with marks up and bunch of useless accessories adds on. With the double msrp price tag of Corolla still doesn’t have TSS3.0 I would say big NO to sienna. Unless invoice price deal like before pandemic.

[@eyds2215]

It's 2 year waiting for a sienna here in Ontario, Canada

[@HelloRoad]

😳

[@zedrico8577]

Kia carnival is coming out with a hybrid in 2025

[@BeeKraemer]

Can u use a hair dryer with the120v outlet, or will it kill the battery ?

[@MrMiamiswaggz305]

Vans are Amazing!

[@sri7727]

All it takes is for Lexus to release a mini van in US and convince few celebrities to buy mini van and show it off in Oscar’s. Celebrities in other parts of the world prefer minivan over SUV.

[@Tykoon]

Too bad they don’t offer a 12V DC cigarette outlet right next to the 120V AC outlet. A 12V DC outlet is excellent for plugging a portable freezer/fridge. If you use 12V then no need to turn the AC inverter on and thus save car battery.

[@edwardburck4424]

The AC inverter works off the Sienna's hybrid battery system so the standard battery is perfectly fine. Additionally, the Sienna features something else (which those competing vans don't) not mentioned in this video but is a game changer for those who enjoy car camping - its hybrid battery system also powers the climate control in inclement weather conditions - you can rest comfortably in the van all night long if you wish. The gas engine will turn itself on and off for short periods every so often to keep the system charged up; combined with the optional 1500 watt inverter it's just about the perfect little foundation for a mini RV. Just terrific for road trips!

[@blueburaq]

I came. I saw. I subscribed.

[@phiwanhlengethwa3874]

I'd rather have no leg, foot, or head room, I'm not touching a van with a 2 metre long pole. Sedans and coupès are where the magic is.

[@Pancreaticdefect]

I agree that vans are better than SUVs. But station wagons are the GOAT.

[@785paris]

I would love to get one but it is way too expensive.

[@arimathea2333]

The Sienna needs an infotainment update and an interior refresh for even more practicality. An EV version (done right, with enouhg range) would crush everything.

[@jackdyson2586]

Can it drive off road?

[@MichaelfromtheGraves]

that green is sooooo much better. But yeah, SUVs are awful and making the roads more dangerous.

[@aeneas116116]

I got one three weeks ago. Love ot

[@Jgjginkg244]

Love minivan over anything. Sienna infotainment is already dated and belong to antique shop!!! Passing power up in the mountains and short highway merging can be uncomfortable. Hybrid is good for city driving but not for higher elevations

[@moroteseoinage]

If the sienna came in a plug in hybrid version…

[@kurpal8904]

Can you remove the second row seating?

[@HelloRoad]

Not easily

[@kerktam]

Suv is better here in Alaska, otherwise i would choose minivan. Space in my gx460 is very limited

[@TobyCostaRica]

As a minivan owner I get a little smile seeing parents load their babies and kids into SUVs in tight parking spots

[@Draw4Dame]

So you’re suggesting that I don’t need an SRT Durango to transport my family 45 minutes across town?

[@MrAschroeder1]

I'd take the Sienna over the Highlander any day...

[@nwsvndr]

Yep, even over the Grand Highlander any and every day.

[@SnarkyRC]

And station wagons are better than mini vans.

[@HelloRoad]

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@tenossos]

Minivans are roomier than wagons

[@geoffreyreuther5260]

@@tenossos *My grandpa's Impala wagon has entered the chat*

[@dejondaone6967]

Who still makes station wagons

[@aaayangh]

team odyssey !

[@pekopan00]

The Sienna XSE is one of the lowest production trims and the XLE is the most produced. The main difference between XSE and the other trims is comfort vs drive performance. XSE is NOT faster (HP) but the rims are bigger, 20", and tighter suspension which means it can take curves and turns better. The trade off is less comfort compared to the other trims. This trim is $50K+ out the door price across America. Choose your trim wisely.

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

Ethan how many kids do tou have now?

[@nikolavlaovic3889]

Minivan ❌| Stationwagon ✅

[@nikolavlaovic3889]

But yes minivan is bether than SUV or Crossover

[@ryannatividad3137]

I prefer wagons too, but there are use cases for minivans. I would only own one if I was regularly carting around 5 or more people, and or carrying large amounts of cargo. Other than that, I would be in a hatchback or wagon instead.

[@romandodu9996]

Good luck finding one at msrp...

[@InvalidAuthorization]

Just like the pickup, SUVs have their uses and coolness, but not as ubiquitous as everyone else likes to pretend. And SUVs are known to be top heavy so even as a performer it doesn't cut it. Most households will do better with a minivan over SUV. But then again, if the minivan were the big attraction, then we would all pay a premium for it vs the status quo. So, I say keep it up and keep on thinking minivans are uncool. It'll keep their prices and their insurance lower for me

[@jd5179]

In my area - sienna has markups - f toyota stealerships!

[@HelloRoad]

Yeah, seems like this is the case in many areas right now

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

Real SUV with body on frame design have their off road merits. The whole CUV craze makes no sense at all. The Sienna AWD Minivan does everything any CUV can do and more.

[@Final_Fantasy_7]

Yeah mini-vans are way better because they generally have forward wheel drive which is better than a 4 wheel drive set-up...plus they have better off-road capabilities than a typical SUV and because they generally have low ground clearance it offers smoother rides......anyone who agrees here dont know jack lol lmao lol

[@LaithKhalil]

4 wheel drive is overrated on asphalt, AWD is pretty much what you want. Any 4WD without a center diff is basically either doing RWD only or brake based AWD in those situations. The vast majority of people do not do any off roading that a clapped out 2005 Corolla can't handle. Ride height doesn't really matter for ride quality, this is a dealership myth, tall off-road SUVs tend to have worse road ride quality than any minivan. When you tune a suspension primarily for on road ride quality it rides better on road. A factory lifted SUV won't beat a factory luxury sedan any day of the week. Ground clearance does not guarantee anything other than ground clearance. Whatever you say, a minivan will have the smoother ride and drive better on road.

[@tonywellington7854]

sheeple love to follow trends that’s why everyone drives an suv wagons and suvs are better

[@jayb7675]

Mini-van is more practical and still very ugly and uncool. SUVs are less practical but have the “cool factor”. America is a decadent/ego matters country so SUVs are king but no doubt the practical smart choice is a mini-van.

[@thndr_5468]

Mininvans just look lame. There's a lot one can do to make them look cool 2025 carnival!

[@HelloRoad]

The Carnival does look pretty nice.

[@麦克天梯倒数第一]

Interior sucks,look that ugly screen. Is this a car from 2014?

[@joshknutson16]

but it’s a minivan

[@manuelpiston]

How much can it tow and can you go off-road? What? no? Then take that poop of my face 😑

[@ttttunos]

Have they come out with new tech to prevent getting your hand slammed in the sliding door? Dodge Caravans still give me PTSD.

[@HelloRoad]

This Sienna will not sever off your hand! I clearly remember slamming my finger in the sliding door of my dad's Ford Econoline when I was a kid. That suuuuucked