I’ve been searching for a 2021 or newer Sienna hybrid, but it’s tough to find one at a reasonable price. For older models, what generation do you recommend for good reliability and value?
The 2015/2016 models have a strong drivetrain and a much better interior. The earlier models from 2014 and before still have the reliable drivetrain, but the interior isn’t as nice.
I generally avoid the first model year of any new design, including Toyotas.
Hal said:
I generally avoid the first model year of any new design, including Toyotas.
I’ve had a 2021 Sienna and had zero issues with it over the last 5 years.
Hal said:
I generally avoid the first model year of any new design, including Toyotas.
I’ve had a 2021 Sienna and had zero issues with it over the last 5 years.
Good for you. But from an engineering perspective, any newly released model often has some small bugs. They’re usually minor, but they get fixed in the first year.
@Hal
Alright, but honestly, almost every car model, regardless of its revision, has some small issue, and that’s normal for any generation.
Chan said:
@Hal
Alright, but honestly, almost every car model, regardless of its revision, has some small issue, and that’s normal for any generation.
Okay, enjoy your 2021 Sienna. It’s your money, after all.
@Hal
I will. The vehicle has been on the market long enough that I’ve done my research and concluded that the 2021 model has hardly had any significant issues.
We’ve had our 2011 Sienna for over 480,000 miles. Just got a 2025 model recently. We’ll see how long it lasts .
SophyGenesis said:
We’ve had our 2011 Sienna for over 480,000 miles. Just got a 2025 model recently. We’ll see how long it lasts!
That’s impressive! Any special tips for maintenance that helped you get this far? Our 2012 Sienna has about 190,000 miles, and we’re preparing for the long haul.
@WildWildWest
I do oil and filter changes every 10-15k miles. The transmission fluid has never been changed, and the spark plugs are still the original ones. The battery lasted until 300k miles, and the alternator was replaced at 350k. I’ve had to replace the lower control arms, end links, strut mounts, struts, and shocks around 250k and 450k miles. I’ve gone through 8 sets of tires and a few sets of brakes and rotors. Basically, it’s been regular wear and tear, and I’ve never had a check engine light come on.
@SophyGenesis
You must’ve bought the gold standard model! Amazing service history.
Don’t give up on your hybrid Sienna search .
Taran said:
Don’t give up on your hybrid Sienna search!
I don’t have a Sienna, but I drive a hybrid. I really enjoy it more than a gas-only car. The fuel savings are great, but there are other perks too, like the quietness.
@Cortland
They’re fantastic! I have a 2024 Sienna XSE AWD Premium. I use it for camping and long road trips. It’s like a small camper with its factory inverter to power my coffee maker and charge my portable power station, which keeps my fridge running. With 35 mpg on the highway and the ability to run the climate control all night in bad weather, it’s perfect for road trips .
I’d avoid the first years of the 8-speed automatic, which was introduced in 2018. I have a 2015 AWD Limited, and I was considering upgrading to a 2020 model, but the price is a bit high right now. I was hoping to get it for under $10k, but it looks like it’s around $20k last time I checked.
@Ember
The 8-speed was introduced in the 2017 model year, so the 2018-2020 models should be pretty solid.
First-gen (2001) Siennas are very reliable. You can probably get one at a great price.
I’d recommend the 2015 & 2016 models for sure. But I wouldn’t give up on the current generation. I got $2600 off MSRP and $1250 in rebates for a 2025 XLE AWD. I also got 4% financing from my local credit union. It’s possible, just shop around and compare offers.
If you don’t need or want AWD, just go for an Odyssey.