Everyone loves a good deal, but families shopping for a new minivan may be inclined to seek out reliable, budget-friendly options. Prices for the 2020 Toyota Sienna are low due to below-average sales last year, U.S. News reports. So if you’ve been looking for a dependable minivan at a great price, the Sienna should be on your radar.

How far Toyota Sienna sales plummeted in 2020

Compared to sales in 2019, sales for the Toyota Sienna in 2020 plunged by 41.7 percent. However, a drop in sales doesn’t always indicate a lack of quality. The low demand for minivans in 2020 was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing families from traveling and thus reducing the desire for minivans. 

In situations where demand has dropped, U.S. News points out it’s typically much easier for buyers to negotiate a lower price when shopping for vehicles. Automakers also often offer incentives to boost sales. 

This is the case for Toyota, which is offering temporary deals on the Sienna. U.S. News reports that through March 31, Toyota is offering several deals, including 1.9 percent APR financing for five years. Buyers who pay in full upfront may also receive up to $1,500 cashback. All in all, though the low sales in 2020 weren’t great for Toyota, they’re excellent for consumers looking to buy a Sienna now.

What to expect from the 2021 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota Sienna has a starting price of about $34,460. This model year is available with a hybrid powertrain and is listed as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). It makes 245 hp and gets 36 mpg in the city and on the highway. 

This minivan comes standard with seating for eight. However, seating capacity drops to seven if you opt for the optional second-row captain’s chairs. 

Behind the third row, the Sienna has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row folded down, the cargo space increases to 75.2 cubic feet. However, U.S. News points out the second row doesn’t fold all the way down. This is unusual for a minivan and means the Sienna might not offer quite as much overall cargo space compared with some rivals.

A 9.0-inch touchscreen comes standard, as does Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. Other standard amenities include remote keyless entry, rear sunshades, power-sliding rear doors, and push-button start. Standard safety features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and road sign recognition.

What makes this minivan such a good buy?

The 2021 Toyota Sienna earned an overall score of 8.3/10 from U.S. News, with an impressive number-two ranking in the minivan category. It has undergone a complete redesign for the 2021 model year and is now exclusively available as a hybrid. This means that in addition to the potential deals you might get during purchase, the Sienna’s excellent fuel economy will provide even higher savings over time.

The Sienna’s steering is another high point. Although minivans aren’t always the most responsive, the Sienna handles well compared with other vehicles in the segment. U.S. News also praises the cabin for its upscale appearance and roomy seating to fit plenty of passengers comfortably. 

In short, the Toyota Sienna’s low sales numbers in 2020 are not indicative of poor quality in this minivan. On the contrary, it’s a high-quality vehicle with many advantages, including the potential for significant savings.