Amy Plemons is the Executive Producer of CarPro and an experienced car reviewer.
This week I find myself back behind the wheel of a minivan. Always an interesting experience given that I'm not carpooling kids around or doing any number of things minivans are undoubtedly great for.
Exterior
Like with the 2022 Toyota Sienna XSE I reviewed last year, I consider the 2023 Sienna Woodland Edition to be a stylish on the exterior. The XSE felt city slicker stylish, while the Woodland Edition, back for a second year, gives it an appealing outdoorsy vibe.
This XLE Woodland Edition model wears Cement exterior paint , a black grille, and chrome accents. It rides on 18-inch bright wheels and also features black badging. The front end is equipped with LED headlights and daytime running lights along with LED fog lights. The tail end sports black bumpers and on top you'll find black roof rails and crossbars.
The Woodland Edition also has the most ground clearance of the lineup - albeit not by much. It has 6.9 inches of ground clearance as opposed to 6.3 inches.
Powertrain
If you're considering a Sienna you'll need to like hybrid powertrains. The 4th-generation Sienna debuted as a 2021 model as hybrid-only. I think it was a great move by Toyota and one that delivers great fuel economy for a people mover this size. The Sienna's hybrid system pairs a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors to an ECVT for a combined 245-horsepower. Acceleration is perfect for this 4,625 pound vehicle. The Woodland Edition is equipped with all-wheel drive.
Interior
The Sienna cabin is in a nutshell - roomy. Very roomy. Headroom and leg-room abound in all three rows. You can easily get in and out, and row to row.
The heated and ventilated 8-way power SoftTex driver's seat is comfortable until it gets hot outside. I find the material to feel a little sticky in the summer heat. Semi soft-touch surfaces are mixed with plastic trim pieces throughout. I do like the placement of the wireless charger on the lower dash shelf. It's quite easy to access. A nice leather-trimmed steering wheel sports nice stitching.
One drawback of the 2023 model is that is, like the 2023 Camry, it hasn't acquired Toyota's new fantastic multimedia system yet. You get a 9-inch multimedia screen with navigation and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. It's compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. Voice command, while not the new "Hey Toyota", is still responsive. Though backup camera resolution isn't great. The Woodland Edition is also equipped with Driver Easy Speak.
Other Sienna features include a really high center console with a lot of underneath storage space. A deep console bin also adds to storage space options. Different-sized cupholders cater to various beverage sizes.
My big issue with the Sienna is its multi-info driver display. The issue isn't the 4.6-inch digital display. It's that its entire surface is extremely reflective. Perhaps it was the time of year, but unless I was in the shade, I could not see the information.
The Woodland Edition seats seven with comfortable 2nd-row captain's chairs that have a Super Long-Slide feature (they slide 25 inches), though I did find the armrests to be on the thin side. There is an optional 11.6-inch drop-down entertainment screen to keep passengers entertained (as long as they can agree on what's playing.) There are also 2nd-row manual sunshades but they don't quite fit the entire window size. There is a ton of room throughout and the third row is excellent for adults.
Other standard features include push-button start, power door locks and windows, a standard-sized sunroof, four-zone climate , a lockable glove compartment, and an electric parking brake, along with USB and USB-C ports.
Utility
What is a minivan if not roomy and practical. The Sienna's power slide opening doors are terrific and work with a kick sensor. I also love the sliding door power buttons located inside. Large grab handles on both sides are I'd imagine immensely useful for passengers with mobility issues.
A power lift gate reveals a cavernous cargo area. The 60/40 One-Motion-Stow Split & Stow 3rd Row seats fold down easily. Durable, rugged floor mats will no doubt be of use during time adventuring. The Woodland Edition is also equipped with a 1500W inverter with two 12 volt AC outlets. It's also equipped with a towing hitch receiver and wiring harness.
Ride and Drive
As I've said before, the Sienna is a minivan that does a great job of making you feel like you're not driving a minivan. The Sienna offers an easy going and smooth ride and drive along with terrific acceleration and confident braking. You'll get Normal, ECO, EV and Sport drive modes. It's easy to maneuver as well.
Safety
The 2023 Sienna still has Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Standard TSS 2.0 includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist.
The Sienna lineup also features standard with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Seat Reminder. This model also has front and rear parking assist with auto brake.
What You'll Pay
The options on this model include the rear seat entertainment system ($1415), a temporary spare ($75), mudguards ($149) and illuminated door sills ($345). (The Woodland Edition does not offer Toyota's Digital Rearview Mirror.) Price as equipped is just north of $51K.
Verdict
I'm hoping for a multimedia and safety update for the 2024 Sienna model. That said, the 2023 Woodland Edition is a solid choice for families looking for room, comfort and family-friendly features.
- What I liked most: Woodland Edition looks, cabin roominess, and its practical utility aspects.
- What I would change: The terribly reflective surface of driver's display.
- MSRP: Base $47,695. as equipped: $51,014.
- Fuel Economy: 35 city/36 highway/35 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 45 miles.
- Weight: 4,625 pounds
- Spare Tire: Temporary Spare Tire ($75). Tire Repair Kit is standard.
- Length-Width-Height: 203.7 in/78.5 in/70.3 in.
- Ground Clearance: 6.96 in.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Cement.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2023 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition in a few words: An excellent choice for families looking for something on the outdoorsy side that's not an SUV.
- Warranty: 36-month/36,000 mile comprehensive; 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain and unlimited mileage corrosion warranty; 96-months/100,000 mile hybrid system warranty; 120 months/150,000 miles battery warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Princeton, Indiana.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
