What’s the cheapest Toyota for my needs?

Looking for something with 3 rows (2 toddlers and a dog), 360 bird’s eye view camera, and AWD. This will need to handle commuting to North Bay, Canada, all year round. What’s my best option?

Not the cheapest, but the Sienna is a great pick. I got one during the pandemic—a 2016 XLE in 2020 for about $20k with 36,000 miles. Definitely worth considering.

Finch said:
Not the cheapest, but the Sienna is a great pick. I got one during the pandemic—a 2016 XLE in 2020 for about $20k with 36,000 miles. Definitely worth considering.

My family has a Sienna that’s been passed down and still runs great. It’s reliable, handles like a car, and never gets stuck. Totally agree—it’s not flashy, but it’s solid.

Check out the Highlander. I love mine. Depending on the year and mileage, you can find a decent deal. If you’re going new, see if any good financing options are available.

Here’s a quick price breakdown starting from the lowest:

  • Highlander Platinum: $53K
  • Highlander Hybrid Platinum
  • Grand Highlander Platinum
  • Sienna Platinum AWD
  • Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum
  • Sequoia SR5 4WD: $64K

The Sienna is a classic family ride. It might not be exciting, but it’s super practical and checks all the boxes.

If you’re going new, a Highlander Limited with the panoramic view monitor package is probably the cheapest option. You might have to wait a bit for one, though. Try to get a unit in allocation and ask the dealer to remove unnecessary add-ons to save money.

The Highlander has had the 360 camera since 2014, but I’ve only seen it reliably listed as a feature from 2017 onward. The Sienna didn’t get it until 2018. Neither is exactly cheap.

If you’re okay stepping away from Toyota, a 2017+ Acura MDX Elite might be worth a look. It’s often cheaper than Toyota despite being a ‘luxury’ brand.

2026 Land Cruiser… just kidding unless you’ve got deep pockets!