The Toyota Sienna isn’t getting much respect from critics, but it’s a hit with car buyers. The Toyota Sienna’s sales numbers have shot up over the last year, and it looks like it’s going to have a stellar 2023. Here’s what the recent data says and why buyers ignore the critics based on what we can see from the Toyota Sienna’s sales numbers.

The Sienna ranks as last in its division on this list

U.S. News has ranked all five minivans on the market, and the Toyota Sienna has the lowest score. It has a rating of 8.0 out of 10, so it’s not exactly terrible, but its competitors beat it out.

The Honda Odyssey ranked in first place, with the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid coming in second. In third and fourth place are the 2024 Kia Carnival and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. 

Given that only five minivans are currently on the market, coming in last isn’t as bad as it would be if there were 10 or more. The scores are also high for all the minivans, so none of them performed poorly. It makes sense when you look at the Toyota Sienna’s sales figures.

The Toyota Sienna’s sales numbers are on the rise

Consumers are clearly not in agreement with U.S. News because its year-to-date sales numbers have exploded when compared to August 2022. Last year, GoodCarBadCar reported the Sienna sold only 6,840 vehicles. This number has increased by 505.88%. The total year-to-date Toyota Sienna sales for August 2023 are 41,442.

The Odyssey sold more vehicles, with a total of 47,419 units year-to-date. It’s only about 6,000 more vehicles, so it was a close race. 

The Pacifica is currently outdoing both, as it sold 44,935 units in the second quarter of 2023. GoodCarBadCar did not break down the numbers into whether it was the hybrid or the gas-powered version, which makes it difficult to know which is performing best.

Pros and cons of the 2023 Toyota Sienna

It’s not all bad for the Toyota Sienna, as U.S. News has plenty of good things to say about it. The Sienna gets 35 MPG city and 36 MPG highway thanks to a hybrid powertrain. Most owners report this is their favorite part of owning a Toyota Sienna. 

One of the biggest draws of the Sienna is the Toyota brand name. It’s one of the most reliable brands on the market, and consumers trust the name.

Other benefits of the Toyota Sienna include a cozy interior with seats that are incredibly comfortable for both the driver and any passengers aboard. It’s easy to get in and out, so if you have someone with mobility issues, the Sienna is perfect for them. The interior also has an upscale feel with few cheap materials to ruin the vibe. 

For families who are concerned about safety, there are several features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign recognition. All-wheel drive is also available. Finally, large windows and an available surround-view camera make parking and turning a simple matter, unlike some other vehicles. 

There are two major cons on the 2023 Toyota Sienna. The first is the 2.5-liter Inline-four hybrid engine that only produces 245 hp. It can feel a little sluggish when speeding up. When you add in a lot of passengers and a loaded cargo space, things only get worse.

The second factor that helped relegate the 2023 Toyota Sienna to last place was the second-row seating. They’re very comfortable, but they also can’t be removed. Because of this, it limits how much space you have in the cargo. Other minivans have the option to remove or lower the second-row seats, so this was a huge mark against the Sienna. Owners don’t seem to care, as the Toyota Sienna’s sales numbers prove.