We’ve got a 2025 XSE coming in November, and I asked about getting a spare tire. The dealer said:
“Toyota doesn’t offer a part for a space saver/donut spare. A regular wheel and tire, mounted and balanced, is just over $1000 and would take up a lot of space in the back.”
I’m confused. What are the options here? I can’t believe it’s impossible to get a spare tire. I don’t want to be calling for a tow every time I get a flat!
I’ve got a 25 XSE on the way, and my spec sheet has a temporary spare tire listed for $75.
The spare tire is definitely an option on the Sienna. Whoever told you otherwise doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
It’s an option, but it might not be included in the specific build you’re getting. The dealer might be able to add it later, but it’ll cost more because they’ll need to change the rear trim and add a mounting kit.
How often do you get flat tires anyway? I’m planning to go with run-flat tires or just keep a spare at home and bring it along on long trips if needed.
If your van is AWD, using a spare can mess up the drivetrain since donut spares are a different size. So you’d want a full-size spare instead. For FWD, if you get a flat in the front, the right way to do it is to move a good rear tire to the front and use the spare on the back.
@Oaklan
Sienna hybrids aren’t true AWD. They use e-AWD, which means two extra motors on the back wheels instead of a differential. No differential, so no issue with tire sizes.
@Oaklan
Using a spare should be fine for short trips to get you to a repair shop, just don’t rely on it for longer drives.
I’m pretty sure there’s an option for a spare. Strange that they said it wasn’t possible. There should be a space on the driver’s side in the trunk for it.
Jori said:
I’m pretty sure there’s an option for a spare. Strange that they said it wasn’t possible. There should be a space on the driver’s side in the trunk for it.
It’s actually a different panel design. The one for the spare tire is shaped differently than the one for the slime kit and pump.
My 2022 AWD XSE came with a donut spare. I think it’s only available with AWD from the factory, but you can get one aftermarket.
Had to call for a tow two weeks ago after a screw went through my tire. The slime kit failed, and we were stuck on the highway. With all this safety talk from Toyota, they still don’t provide a spare? Ridiculous. Now I keep a plug kit ($30 on Amazon) and a compressor. In case of a blowout, I’ll still need a tow, but at least I have some backup now.
I’m in the same situation. My build didn’t have the option, but I got the flat kit and compressor. Couldn’t even select a spare tire on the Toyota site for the Woodland trim.
I have a 2024 Platinum, and I bought the parts for the OEM spare tire kit from my local dealer. Along with a donut spare. Installed it myself after watching some YouTube tutorials. Honestly, it was worth it. Sounds like your dealer might not have the right info!