We’re thinking of trading our 2022 Sienna LE for a 2025 LE next summer. I’m wondering if some of the issues we’ve had with our current model have been improved in the newer ones. Here’s what’s been bothering us:
Big safety issue: The third-row seats spring up suddenly and forcefully, which once bruised my daughter’s arm. We have to tie them down with aftermarket straps or keep heavy cargo in the back to stop this from happening.
No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The front cupholders are too small for most cups or mugs, so they just gather junk.
LE trim doesn’t come with an automatic rear gate.
No spare tire included (why?).
The high beams barely improve visibility over the regular headlights.
The tow package reduced clearance so much that we scrape everywhere—parking lots, gas stations, garages. It’s constant.
We’ve never achieved the rated 34/35 mpg for the AWD model, even driving carefully. It’s always been 30 or less.
The AC isn’t powerful enough, especially in the back. It struggles in the Texas heat, even on max settings.
After starting the car, there’s no clear indicator if the AC is actually on.
The AC doesn’t automatically turn on when you set it to “Lo” like other cars.
We still really love the car, but these things are a hassle. Has anyone noticed improvements in the 2025 model? Thanks!
The third-row seats not locking down anymore is because of a safety rule. There was a tragic case where a teenager got pinned under the seats and couldn’t get out. Now minivans don’t lock the seats in the folded position. You might want to avoid folding them unless you’re putting something on top.
@Amanda
I understand safety changes have to happen, but this doesn’t seem to be an issue in other vans like the Pacifica or Odyssey. Have any improvements been made to address this in the 2023 or 2025 models?
Amanda said: @Stokes
The case I mentioned actually happened in an Odyssey.
I’m talking about now that seats don’t lock. I haven’t heard of them popping up violently in other models, only in the Sienna. It’s a safety concern both ways—our seats have sprung up during moderate braking and could seriously hurt someone. Doesn’t seem like a great design.
@Stokes
Why is this being downvoted? I’m just explaining what’s happened to us. My daughter was hurt, and I’m trying to prevent it from happening again. Can we have some empathy here?
Stokes said: @Stokes
Why is this being downvoted? I’m just explaining what’s happened to us. My daughter was hurt, and I’m trying to prevent it from happening again. Can we have some empathy here?
I hear you. It sounds like something isn’t right with your third row.
@Mecarmind1
Thanks for the info! I still can’t figure out the MPG issue. Some of my friends with the same year and trim are getting better mileage, even though my driving habits seem better according to the app.
@Stokes
Do you do a lot of highway driving? I usually get 35/36 mpg around town with my 2022 AWD Sienna, but it drops by 3 mpg or so on the highway when I’m cruising above the speed limit.
Sai said: @Stokes
Do you do a lot of highway driving? I usually get 35/36 mpg around town with my 2022 AWD Sienna, but it drops by 3 mpg or so on the highway when I’m cruising above the speed limit.
On road trips, I get about 27-28 mpg. Around the city, it’s closer to 30.
@Stokes
I saw your comment about the seats popping up. You might need to brake and accelerate more gently. Try to keep it fully in the ECO part of the gauge.
@Mecarmind1
The spare tire is available on most trims. The only restriction I know of is with the Platinum trim, where you lose the ottomans if you choose the spare tire option. I think the Woodland edition also…