During the recent week, I had the privilege of embarking on an extensive road trip test with the 2022 Toyota Sienna Limited. Thanks to the Toyota team, I had the opportunity to drive the Sienna all the way from Phoenix to Lake Tahoe, covering a round trip of 1,476 miles through diverse desert and mountainous terrains, even encountering a challenging washed-out road with water flowing across it.
Our review team consisted of individuals spanning all age groups and lifestyles, from a 3-year-old to someone in their 70s, including a young adult with special needs who uses a wheelchair. I must admit that I had harbored a bias against minivans for most of my life, but this road trip experience completely altered my perspective.
The Toyota Sienna proved to be the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven on a long journey. I did not face any fatigue or hip/leg discomfort typically associated with drives lasting over 12 hours (one way). The rear seats are exceptionally cozy, catering to passengers of all kinds. Featuring a footrest and full recline capability for a lying position, these seats provided ultimate relaxation. Commencing our journey in the scorching summer heat of Phoenix, where temperatures soared above 110 degrees on our departure day, the Sienna’s climate control system effortlessly managed the rear AC. The vent placements ensured swift and efficient cooling of the vehicle.
Night driving also revealed the Sienna’s excellent performance. Though this feature is present in many vehicles, I found Toyota’s automatic light adjustments to be particularly impressive. The convenience of not needing to toggle the high beams on and off while navigating mountainous terrains at night was truly a relief. This feature alone conserved my energy, especially after a full day of paddle boarding on the lake.
The storage capacity exceeded expectations for a typical van scenario. Particularly notable was the ample storage space in the front of the van, accommodating snacks, beverages, electronics, a sizable purse, and a backpack. All these items fit snugly without encroaching on my co-pilot’s legroom, a common issue in our previous vehicles.
The 2022 Toyota Sienna Limited boasts an appealing exterior design. As mentioned earlier, my previous lack of interest in minivans stemmed mainly from their exterior body shapes. However, the Sienna closely resembles an SUV, with only the side doors revealing its true nature.
At the outset of our journey, gas prices were at an all-time high. Initially estimating a $500 expenditure for the round trip based on an average of 18MPG (my Jeep’s average), we were pleasantly surprised to spend only $240 on gas while achieving an average of 36 MPG. This efficiency was unexpected, as I did not employ a gentle touch on the accelerator. I faced no challenges when accelerating on uphill stretches in mountainous terrain, driving with the same vigor as if gas prices were $2.50 per gallon, as opposed to over $5.00. The Sienna’s impressive performance and fuel efficiency solidified my view of it as one of the finest all-purpose vehicles for road trips and daily commutes alike.
Here are some specifics about what the 2022 Toyota Sienna includes.
Toyota has reimagined the fourth-generation Sienna, crafted in the U.S. to cater to a broader spectrum of life stages and activities than the average minivan. This evolution emphasized a greater infusion of luxury, multimedia features, and outdoor-friendly elements. Retaining the design and styling cues of the fourth generation, the Sienna now bears a closer resemblance to an SUV than a traditional minivan.
My test vehicle was equipped with the optional 18-inch wheels, paired with an attractive blue exterior (Blueprint), lending it a considerable curb appeal.
Interior:
As previously mentioned, the interior of the 2022 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Limited provides ample space, ensuring generous legroom on every seat. Noteworthy is the additional storage capacity for all your belongings and electronic devices.
The seats, made from SofTex synthetic materials, offer superior comfort.
The vehicle boasts a four-zone automatic climate control system with air filter, offering individual temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear-seat passengers. A separate rear digital control panel enables rapid and efficient cooling and heating of the vehicle.
Parallel parking and reversing are made effortless by the camera system. If you typically struggle with backing up, parallel parking, or maintaining alignment while parking, you’ll appreciate the Bird’s Eye View Camera, incorporating Perimeter Scan, 360-degree Overhead View, and Integrated backup camera functionalities.
The infotainment system features a 9-inch touchscreen, six speakers, compatibility with Android Auto™ *, Apple CarPlay® *, and Amazon Alexa, along with one USB media port, * 6 USB charge ports, and 12 JBL® * speakers inclusive of a subwoofer and amplifier. The sound quality is exceptional, underlining the Sienna’s superb acoustics.
For an added $1,415, the rear can be equipped with the optional upgraded 1080p HD Entertainment Center, featuring an 11.6-inch display, HDMI inputs, a remote, and two wireless headphones, a worthwhile consideration for the enhanced entertainment experience.
Engine/Power-train
The 2022 Toyota Sienna comes equipped with a Hybrid—2.5-Liter engine featuring Double Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16-Valve, D-4S Injection, and Dual VVT-i, paired with an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode, delivering 245 net hp.
Offering Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport modes, the Sienna’s acceleration is seamless. Even in Eco mode, there is ample power to handle steep mountain gradients and navigate traffic effortlessly. Switching to Sport mode brings a noticeable performance boost.
Safety
Toyota’s consistent accolades for safety, alongside its contributions to safety innovations within the automotive industry, are epitomized in the Sienna. The vehicle features Toyota’s Star Safety System, incorporating Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), * Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) *, and Smart Stop Technology® (SST).
Standard in the Sienna are the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) * and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) * with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (RCTB). These systems prove invaluable when there are vehicles in your blind spot, illuminating the lights on your side mirrors to alert you, particularly useful when dealing with drivers who linger in your blind spots.
Conclusion:
During my 8-day road trip to Lake Tahoe, the 2022 Toyota Sienna Limited delivered exceptional performance. Traditionally known as a preferred choice for families, the Sienna also caters to anyone seeking spaciousness and utmost comfort on road trips, coupled with impressive daily commuting efficiency at an average of 36 MPG. I eagerly anticipate my next road trip adventure with a Toyota Sienna!
My Test Vehicle was priced at an MSRP of $49,930 with additional options. The Toyota Sienna is available starting from $35,280. Explore more about the Toyota Sienna through the link below:
