After putting countless minivans through their paces, we must say the Toyota Sienna has emerged as one of the highest quality. But, of course, that statement only applies to a select number of models! Keep reading to learn about all the best Toyota Sienna years.
In This Article:
Top 9 Most Reliable Sienna Years
The best Toyota Sienna years to consider are the fourth-generation models (2021 to present), the 2017 to 2020 models, and the classic 2002 edition. They hit a home run thanks to powerful engines, responsive rides, comfortable interiors, and quality safety features.
Any Model from The Fourth Generation (2021 to present)
We must say that the fourth-generation Toyota Sienna (starting with the 2021 model) is among the most reliable Siennas to date.

Indeed, Toyota went all in with this update: the brand swapped out the V6 for a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, which does wonders for fuel efficiency and boasts over 35 mpg combined. For a vehicle this size, that’s very remarkable. This hybrid setup also makes the Sienna responsive and much smoother, perfectly suited for families who want both performance and fuel savings.
Likewise, Toyota has also paid a lot of attention to the vehicle’s interior, and our testers found the cabin to be both roomy and versatile. The leather seats are easy to configure, so there’s plenty of space to work with for all types of purposes. Better yet, we also found the hidden storage compartments tucked throughout the cabin, which helps keep things organized and out of sight without much effort.
But the Sienna doesn’t just win on fuel and space; it’s also a leader in safety. Toyota packed in its Safety Sense 2.0 suite across all fourth-generation models, so you get a whole range of advanced safety features from the start:
- Pre-collision warning that can spot pedestrians and cyclists even in low light
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control, perfect for long highway drives
- Lane-departure alerts to keep you from drifting
- Road sign assistance, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beams combined to make night driving easier and safer.
With this incredible lineup, it’s unsurprising that the Sienna earned top marks from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), even as the safety tests have gotten tougher over time!
Still, despite being the best year for the Toyota Sienna, the fourth generation has one small hitch: the price. Since the Sienna holds its value so well, even a 2021 model with low mileage can go for around $36,000, which is actually a bit higher than its original price. It seems the pandemic has had a big impact on used car costs, but fortunately, many experts do believe that the market will eventually even out.
2017 to 2020 Toyota Sienna
Next, the 2017 to 2020 Toyota Sienna models stand out as some of the best Toyota Sienna years if you’re looking for a well-rounded, reliable minivan. For this generation, Toyota has refined its performance, safety, and reliability to deliver a vehicle that caters to both families and long-haul travelers alike.

Specifically, in 2017, Toyota gave the Sienna a facelift that came with a powerful upgrade under the hood. They upgraded the old engine to a better 3.5-liter V6, which delivers a robust 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine transforms the entire driving experience and gives you all the necessary muscle for highway merges, heavy loads, or hilly roads.
And that’s not all; Toyota also replaced the older six-speed automatic transmission with a more advanced eight-speed automatic to smooth out the drive. After some personal tests, we can even say with confidence that this is the most fuel-efficient V6 Sienna in this generation. Our driving experience was not only easier but also way more fun now that we can easily receive an extra boost on the road.
By 2018, Toyota took safety up a notch and made Toyota Safety Sense standard across the Sienna lineup. Of course, this isn’t the latest safety suite Toyota offers (like with the fourth generation), but it was still a solid foundation that provided many standard features for the time. You will get:
- A pre-collision system that detects pedestrians (common in busy city settings or neighborhood areas)
- Lane departure alert, a must-have for long highway drives safer and more relaxing
- Adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed based on the vehicle ahead.
So, overall, we highly recommend these Toyota Sienna best years for anyone who values a balanced combination of capability and safety without compromising on space or comfort. Plus, since Toyota has worked out most of the drawbacks of the previous generations, you’re looking at a solid, dependable ride that holds up well on both city streets and cross-country road trips.
2002 Toyota Sienna
Last but not least, the 2002 shines as one of the best Siennas in the first-generation models, and for good reason. During the early 2000s, when safety features were still quite rare, Toyota went above and beyond to make this Sienna feel advanced and secure for its time.

One of the biggest highlights of this model is the stability control feature, which keeps the Sienna steady and in control even in tough conditions like wet or icy roads. It automatically applies brakes to individual wheels whenever it senses slipping or a loss of traction, significantly reducing the chances of skidding.
Plus, Toyota equips the 2002 Sienna with ABS (anti-lock braking system) brakes, another outstanding safety addition. Specifically, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up when braking hard, which not only shortens stopping distances but also helps you maintain control of the steering in emergency stops. When combined with stability control, these ABS brakes give the Sienna a confident, extremely secure feel on the road.
The brand does not stop there; the 2002 Sienna also came with front and side airbags to provide even more protection (for both drivers and passengers) and soften the impact in a collision. Even by today’s standards, this early model truly feels like a safe house on wheels.
Of course, the 2002 Sienna doesn’t have the driver-assist technologies you’d find in later models. Still, for anyone who values fundamental safety, we believe this model will deliver everything you need.
4 Toyota Sienna Model Years to Avoid
Aside from all the best years, it’s also smart to know which model years come with a bit of baggage.
From our research, a few years have stood out for some common issues that can lead to both headaches and extremely high repair bills! Without further ado, let’s see 4 Toyota Sienna years to avoid:
2004 Toyota Sienna

The 2004 Sienna kicked off the second generation with quite a few bumps in the road, particularly with its power sliding doors. Owners have had their fair share of frustration with doors that sometimes refuse to open or close properly. Believe it or not, this inconvenience can quickly turn into a safety concern.
Worse, the model is also known for transmission troubles that can turn costly as the vehicle ages. You definitely have to think twice before buying.
2007 Toyota Sienna
Another Sienna with a bad reputation, the 2007 suffers from serious engine power issues that go beyond the usual wear and tear. Many reports from our test team mentioned excessive oil consumption as a common problem, and the brake and suspension components also seem to wear out quicker than expected. Unless the maintenance history is crystal clear, you might want to pass on this one.
2008 Toyota Sienna

Following the issues from 2007, the 2008 Sienna didn’t fare much better. Oil consumption remains a problem, so much so that engine repairs alone can become a significant expense. The infamous power sliding doors also make a comeback here, with numerous reports of doors getting jammed or failing to operate smoothly.
And then there’s the electrical system — dash lights flickering, A/C controls glitching, and more. Reliability is always the key for any American minivan, not just a Toyota, and this 2008 model clearly fails in that area.
2011 Toyota Sienna
The 2011 model entered the third-generation Sienna lineup with high hopes, but unfortunately, it still came with some quirks of its own. Transmission issues become a theme now, as our testers constantly experience jerks or hesitation while shifting gears. Plus, a few rattles and loose trim pieces inside make this model feel a bit less refined.
You might argue that all these issues do not seem like a dealbreaker. But trust us; over time, they will add up very quickly. Hence, it’s worth considering a different year if a smooth, reliable ride is your top priority.
Note:
To clarify, each of the Sienna models we just mentioned still has its strengths. Nevertheless, the issues associated with these years mean you might spend more time in the repair shop than you’d like.
If you’re still set on one of these, make sure the prior owner has taken care of any known issues — or better yet, go for a model year with a cleaner track record. That way, you can enjoy all the Sienna has to offer without the extra hassle.
See more:
Best Years By Brand Model:
Years To Avoid By Brand Model:
Conclusion
We hope you now have a clearer picture of which base models are a hit and which ones may give you pause. But if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help!