I’ve had my 2024 Sienna XLE for about five weeks, and I’m not loving it. The way settings and information are organised is frustrating. I’ll find a setting one day, then spend ages trying to locate it again. The manual isn’t much help, so I’m constantly searching online for answers, which often feel completely unintuitive.
My last van was a Nissan cargo van, smaller on the outside but roomier on the inside. I don’t have kids or a big family—just me, a small 5’5" woman—but I feel cramped in this Sienna.
The door lock and unlock settings are confusing too. I bought this for Toyota’s reputation for longevity, steering clear of Pacifica and Odyssey because of their reported issues. But maybe I’m just overcomplicating things. I miss simple vans with keyed ignitions. I don’t need fancy looks; just a small, reliable van to get around in.
Are there basic vans out there in other countries that we can’t get here? What do other Sienna owners think?
jordansmith said:
You’re 5’5" without kids and feel cramped in a minivan? Are you serious, or is this a joke post?
I’m 6’2" and 200 pounds, and the Sienna feels huge to me. If she feels cramped, maybe she needs something like a Hummer. Or is this about something else entirely?
@Graydon
We used to have a 2020 Sienna, and after trying out a 2024, we weren’t impressed. Even the rear cargo opening is smaller. Our stroller used to roll right in, but now it has to be folded. Toyota quality feels like it’s gone down compared to older models.
It would help if you shared which specific settings or features you find hard to use. People here might have tips or shortcuts if they know what’s bothering you.
Landry said:
It would help if you shared which specific settings or features you find hard to use. People here might have tips or shortcuts if they know what’s bothering you.
For example, try locking yourself in the back of the Sienna while keeping the A/C on all night. Can you lock it with the fob? Nope. With the app? Nope. You’d need an eight-foot arm to reach the driver’s lock button. Also, why can’t I easily see how charged the hybrid battery is? And why aren’t all settings on the media screen instead of spread out? It’s all needlessly complicated. Sure, I can google for answers, but why should I have to?
@Orion
I get that. But how often do you need to lock yourself in the back? And about the hybrid battery—does it matter? The system runs itself and starts the engine when needed.
I’m struggling with this too. You’re 5’5" and say you’re cramped? I’m a bigger guy, and I have loads of space in my Sienna compared to my wife’s RAV4. Maybe your seat or pedal setup isn’t right? And when you say the door locking controls are confusing, are you talking about the fob, the door buttons, or the app?
What was your last car? For me, switching to the Sienna felt overwhelming because of all the new safety features. It was a big leap from my old car, but after a few weeks, I adjusted. My main issue now is some rattling in the back that I can’t seem to fix.
One thing I’ve noticed about my 2024 Sienna is the noise. When driving uphill or at higher speeds, it feels like the cabin isn’t insulated enough from outside sounds.
Valentine said:
One thing I’ve noticed about my 2024 Sienna is the noise. When driving uphill or at higher speeds, it feels like the cabin isn’t insulated enough from outside sounds.
I miss my old Gen 2 Sienna. It had way less wind noise compared to the newer models.
Valentine said:
One thing I’ve noticed about my 2024 Sienna is the noise. When driving uphill or at higher speeds, it feels like the cabin isn’t insulated enough from outside sounds.
A lot of reviews mention this as a common issue. I have the limited trim, and the acoustic glass seems to help a bit.