7 Reasons the 2023 Toyota Sienna XLE is the Minivan King (With a Few Funny Flaws)
When it comes to minivans Toyota has been a dominating force for years and the 2023 Toyota Sienna XLE is no exception. For families looking for space safety and tech upgrades the Sienna XLE offers plenty. But like any great car, it’s not perfect and sometimes those imperfections are worth a chuckle.
The 2023 Sienna XLE packs so much into its sleek van frame that it's hard not to see why this ride continues to be one of America's favorite family movers. But before you rush out to the dealership to put down a deposit, let’s dive into everything this people-hauler offers from its impressive features to its lovable quirks (we'll get to the quirks later). And yes, some parts might even have you saying, "Well, that’s odd." Let’s just say Toyota didn’t go all-in on perfection for this model year, but they came darn close.
A Quick Overview of the 2023 Toyota Sienna XLE
Before we go too deep into the finer details let's hit some of the highlights. The 2023 Sienna XLE is part of the fourth generation of Sienna minivans, which began in 2021. Toyota revamped the Sienna in this generation with a focus on fuel efficiency, high-tech amenities, and a bold design overhaul. One thing that stands out? The entire Sienna lineup is now hybrid, and that’s great news for your wallet at the gas pump.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine with 245 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 36 MPG combined (not bad for a vehicle this size)
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers with removable second-row seats
- Drivetrain: Available in both FWD and AWD
- Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Safety: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite
- Starting Price: Around $41,000
Now that we've hit the bullet points let’s break down what makes the Sienna XLE a solid contender for any family looking for a well-rounded minivan—and what makes it a bit quirky at times.
Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth Sailing
Toyota claims that the 2023 Sienna XLE will make you forget you’re driving a minivan with how smooth it handles. And, for the most part, they’re right. With a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine under the hood, you get a ride that’s both powerful enough to carry your soccer team and gentle on your fuel budget. The Sienna delivers 245 horsepower, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size, though don’t expect it to win any drag races.
Driving Dynamics: Easy Like Sunday Morning
The Sienna XLE drives like a dream if your dreams are filled with serene easygoing commutes. The CVT transmission keeps things fluid and seamless, so there’s none of that jerking when the van shifts gears. But, some might say it's a little too smooth. "Sometimes I forget I'm actually driving," says Alex Collantes, a proud owner of the 2023 Sienna. "It’s almost like the van's on autopilot, but in a good way."
That said, the Sienna is no Ferrari. The acceleration is best described as "gradual." Trying to pass someone on the freeway? You might need to plan ahead a little more than you'd like. But hey, who’s drag racing in a minivan?
Fuel Economy: Saving Money at the Pump
The fact that the Sienna XLE gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined is a huge win for families used to gas-guzzling alternatives. With today’s rising gas prices, this kind of efficiency is no joke. Whether you’re hauling groceries, kids, or both, you’ll appreciate the Sienna’s hybrid system and its low impact on your fuel bill.
However, there's a catch. The hybrid engine can be a little loud, especially when it’s working hard. It’s like the car’s trying to remind you, "Hey, I’m saving you gas, okay?"
Interior Comfort: Space for the Whole Crew
The interior of the Sienna XLE is as family-friendly as it gets. The second-row captain’s chairs feel like the first-class seats of minivans, and there’s room in the third row for three more passengers without too much squabbling about legroom. Alex Collantes had a good laugh when he first saw the second row. "It’s like my kids have more legroom than I do up front!"
Seating and Space: Room to Stretch (Literally)
One of the Sienna XLE’s biggest selling points is its interior flexibility. The second-row seats can be slid backward and forward to make more legroom for rear passengers, though they can’t be removed entirely. This design choice was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, you get more flexibility to load larger items by pushing the seats up. On the other hand, the inability to remove the second row entirely could make you miss your old van.
If there’s a complaint here, it’s the cargo space with all seats up.
While there's plenty of room when you start folding down or pushing seats up, the actual cargo area can feel a little cramped when the entire crew is on board. But you can still fit a weekend’s worth of luggage in the back without playing Tetris.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for true max cargo capacity, you may want to check out SUVs instead. But hey, minivans weren’t meant to be cargo trucks anyway.
Technology and Infotainment: Keeping Everyone Entertained
The tech game in the 2023 Sienna XLE is strong—though it’s not groundbreaking, it does everything you need it to, and more. With a 9-inch touchscreen, it’s pretty easy to navigate through your apps and media. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard and, honestly, if you're a millennial parent like many of us, you're already wondering how you survived before these systems.
Connectivity: Family Road Trip MVP
The Sienna offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, and wireless charging, so no more fighting over who gets to charge their phone. "It’s saved us more than a few arguments," Collantes shares. When you've got teens in the back glued to their devices, this is a big win.
However, Toyota did miss a beat with its voice-command system. "The system doesn’t always understand what I’m saying," adds Collantes. "It’s like talking to a teenager who’s half-listening. I’ll say, 'Play my music,' and it responds with 'Here’s the weather.'"
Safety: Peace of Mind on the Road
Safety is paramount when you’re hauling your loved ones around, and the 2023 Sienna XLE doesn’t disappoint. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard, which means you get all the cool new tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision warnings.
The Essentials of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
Collantes notes, "It’s almost like the van is paranoid—there’s an alert for everything." That’s not a bad thing when you’re driving with a van full of kids, but it can get a little overwhelming for someone used to driving an older car without all the bells and whistles.
Drawbacks (But With a Smile)
Every car has its weak spots, and the 2023 Sienna XLE is no exception. But, let’s be honest: the quirks are part of the fun. So what are the main drawbacks? Let’s break them down with a bit of humor, because why not?
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Acceleration: As I mentioned earlier, the Sienna XLE is not going to win any speed records. If you're in a hurry, you might want to take a deep breath. In fact, make it two or three breaths. This van takes its time, like that one friend who’s always late but insists they’re on time.
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Second Row Seats: You can’t remove them. I repeat: You. Cannot. Remove. Them. For all you folks out there who like turning your van into a cargo hauler, this might feel like Toyota is messing with you. Sure, you can slide them up and down, but removing them? Nope.
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Hybrid Engine Noise: When the hybrid engine kicks in, it can get a bit loud. Imagine a vacuum cleaner in the distance. It’s not unbearable, but you’ll notice it especially when accelerating or going uphill.
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Infotainment Voice Commands: Ever feel like your car is trolling you? That’s how it feels when the voice commands don’t get it right. "Call Alex," you say. "Playing Coldplay," the system responds. Okay, maybe that’s not the worst outcome.
Final Thoughts: A Minivan That Gets It Mostly Right
At the end of the day, the 2023 Toyota Sienna XLE is a fantastic option for families who want comfort, safety, and technology, all while keeping an eye on their fuel budget. It’s not the most thrilling ride in the world, but let’s be real—nobody’s buying a minivan to set land-speed records.
Pros of the 2023 Toyota Sienna XLE:
- Fuel economy that saves you money
- Hybrid engine for eco-conscious families
- Plenty of tech and safety features
- Smooth driving experience
Cons (But We Still Love It):
- Acceleration that takes its sweet time
- Second-row seats that refuse to leave
- Quirky voice commands
If you’re in the market for a minivan that balances efficiency, safety, and tech, then the Sienna XLE deserves a serious look. And hey, if you can laugh off a few of its quirks, you’ll find yourself with one of the best family vehicles on the market.