From time to time, I would write something about a car, and then some time down the line, an automaker would introduce an update that would coincide with something I suggested. No, I am not so naive to think they are taking my words so seriously, but it is nice to know that maybe, just maybe, I might actually know a thing or two about what consumers want. Well, last year, I mentioned that minivans are considered luxury carriages in other parts of the world, and would you look at that: the 2025 Toyota Sienna gains a new, top-of-the-line trim level that pushes the envelope on what mainstream minivans normally offer.

What’s new for 2025?

Along with the new Platinum trim, the Toyota Sienna receives a mild styling update for 2025. A new front grille and tail light design freshens up the current-gen model, which already looks quite dramatic with its highly sculpted and muscular body panels. Toyota says the Sienna’s styling is inspired by Japan’s iconic bullet train, but more than that, I love that this generation Sienna brought back the fluid look of the original Toyota Previa. The two-tone 18-inch wheels are unique to the Platinum, but I prefer the set on the Limited.

The Platinum also introduces a heads-up display, rain-sensing wipers—and a fridge between the first and second rows, along with a vacuum below the fridge. As someone who regularly goes on road trips with my family, I love these last two features. They give the Sienna Platinum serious appeal over many similarly priced three-row crossovers, even as you venture into the luxury space.

Interior comfort, cargo space, and practicality

The rest of the Sienna’s cabin is fairly well-appointed with premium feeling materials and above-average fit-and-finish. Many of the features and functions are readily available through physical switchgear or the easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment, and there are plenty of storage cubbies including a neat cut-through space below the dashboard for bags and other large items. The Platinum trim is built on the already well-equipped Limited model, so neat convenience features such as the kick sensor-activated power sliding side doors, digital rear-view mirror, new-for-2025 digital instrument cluster, and rear-seat entertainment system are all standard on this tester.

Minivans have always been known for their excellent interior space, but the Sienna Platinum uses a pair of captain’s chairs with built-in ottomans and a ridiculously long forward-aft sliders, giving it a second-to-none lounge experience. The seats are comfortable and second-row occupants are able to lay almost completely flat—it is quite nauseating to do so while the Sienna is in motion; ask me how I know. The one downside to these loungers is that they cannot be removed to expand on the Sienna’s cargo capacity, but the maximum capacity of 2,860 litres is more than enough unless you often need a flat floor.

What’s under the 2025 Toyota Sienna’s hood?

All Siennas are powered by a normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that is paired with Toyota’s venerable hybrid powertrain, generate a maximum of 245 horsepower. Toyota offers front- or all-wheel-drive depending on the trim level; our Platinum tester comes with the latter. Thanks to the electric motors, the Sienna accelerates rather swiftly off the line, but there is a distinct lack of shove as you attempt to continue the run, and the engine note under load sounds particularly coarse. If Toyota really wants to really push upmarket, the Hybrid Max powertrain used in the Crown Platinum and Grand Highlander would be a great addition.

Fuel economy is the biggest advantage when choosing the all-hybrid Sienna. In fact, that’s the main reason why it had such a long wait list ever since this generation launched for the 2021 model year. It is officially rated at 6.8L/100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 L/100 km on the highway, and 6.7 combined. Over the week of mixed commute, we observed an average of 7.3 L/100 km, which was far better than what we noted in the Kia Carnival Hybrid. Regular-grade gasoline is accepted for the Sienna.

Is the 2025 Sienna worth it?

For 2025, the base, front-wheel-drive Sienna LE starts at $47,950, and our fully loaded Platinum tester tops out at $70,228 as-tested. It is certainly on the high end of the spectrum for a mainstream minivan or three-row SUV, but there is still value when you consider the lengthy list of equipment, unbeatable practicality, and the second-row lounge.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna is not perfect, but it has the potential to be. I think a more capable powertrain and a bit of tuning from Lexus would bring it awfully close—as we have seen with the Crown and Grand Highlander. I am hopeful that North American buyers will begin to accept minivans as more than just practical family haulers, but eventually, I think I will have to start charging for my minivan consulting and product planning services. Toyota, if you are reading this, how about some curtains in the back for a real VIP experience?