2018 Toyota Sienna

Every 2018 Sienna uses the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (D-4S direct/port injection); there is no hybrid in the third-generation (2011–2020) lineup.

Peak torque of the sole V6 powertrain, unchanged since the 2017 update.

Instrumented tests put the 2018 V6/8-speed Sienna among the quickest minivans of its day, around 7.4 s.

The V6 is smooth, quiet and strong for the class; reviewers note brisk passing power, with only a hint of coarseness at high revs.

The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly but is tuned for economy, with some reviewers noting hesitant kickdowns and occasional busy shifting.

Standard tow prep package allows 3,500 lbs on all trims, matching the minivan class norm.

AWD is available on several trims (not the base L), making the Sienna the only AWD minivan sold in the US in 2018; the system is a basic on-demand setup with no terrain modes.

Pavement-oriented minivan with low clearance and no protection hardware; AWD helps on snow and gravel roads only.

One engine and one transmission across the range; the only choice is FWD or AWD. No hybrid until the 2021 redesign.

The 2018 Sienna is gas-only (3.5L V6, 8-speed); no hybrid existed until MY2021, so this is the gas FWD volume configuration.

EPA city rating for the V6 FWD volume configuration.

EPA highway rating for the V6 FWD volume configuration.

EPA-derived range from the 20-gallon tank at 22 MPG combined.

EPA's annual fuel cost estimate at 15,000 miles on regular gas, as currently published for the MY2018 listing.

Runs on regular unleaded across all trims.

The 2018 Sienna (third generation, 2011–2020) earned NHTSA's top 5-star overall rating, although frontal and rollover sub-ratings were 4 stars.

No 2018 IIHS award. Moderate overlap, side, roof and head-restraint tests were Good, but small overlap was only Acceptable on the driver side and Marginal on the passenger side. That trails a Good-across-the-board rival.

TSS-P became standard on every grade for 2018 and brought AEB with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beams and radar cruise. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are absent on the L and the volume LE, optional on the SE and standard only on the XLE and Limited.

The standard Pre-Collision System earned IIHS Superior and avoided collisions in both the 12 and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests. Pedestrian AEB was not IIHS-rated in this era, and the camera/radar system has no nighttime pedestrian validation.

BSM with RCTA is alert-only and is not offered on the L or the volume LE, optional on the SE and standard on the XLE and Limited. There is no rear cross-traffic braking or safe-exit assist.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist only nudges the van back once it is already drifting over a line. There is no lane-centering function, which Toyota first added to the Sienna with the 2021 redesign's TSS 2.0.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is standard but works only at highway speeds. It cannot be set below about 30 mph and cancels below about 25 mph, so it has no stop-and-go, and there is no combined highway-assist mode.

There was no hands-free driving system on any 2018 Sienna. The assistance stops at high-speed radar cruise plus a lane-departure nudge.

Every headlight variant, halogen projector or Limited Premium HID, rated only Acceptable at IIHS. Automatic high beams are standard throughout.

A tall greenhouse and large side glass give good natural sightlines, as usual for a minivan, and a backup camera is standard. Thick A-pillars and a long rear overhang limit the view, and the Bird's Eye View 360 camera was offered only on the Limited Premium.

Wide power-sliding doors and up to eight seats make multiple child seats easy to fit, and LATCH hardware covers four rear positions. IIHS rated LATCH ease of use only Acceptable, however.

The volume LE grade was offered in 7- and 8-passenger forms; the 8-passenger bench is the max capacity of the volume configuration.

Generous front headroom typical of the third-generation Sienna's tall roof.

Front legroom is on the short side for the class; the Odyssey and Pacifica offer noticeably more.

Tall second-row headroom near the top of the minivan band.

Respectable published second-row legroom; long-slide captain's chairs let occupants trade third-row space for much more.

A genuine third row with 38.3 in headroom and ~36 in legroom that fits adults on moderate trips, though those over six feet run short of headroom; 60/40 split-fold, power-fold on upper grades.

Measured behind the second row with the third row folded per the item definition; a strong figure, matching the Odyssey's ballpark.

Maximum cargo requires physically removing the heavy second-row seats, unlike Stow 'n Go rivals, but the volume is class-competitive.

Deep underfloor well behind the third row, fold-in-floor third row, conversation mirror and a sliding center console on Limited; no in-floor second-row stowage, so maximum cargo means removing seats.

Front seats feel flat at first but hold up on long trips; second-row captain's chairs recline and slide, with lounge seats with ottomans on Limited.

Soft, relaxed, luxurious ride on non-SE grades that absorbs bumps well; some float and crosswind sensitivity at speed, and the SE's sport tuning firms it up.

Quiet enough around town for sleeping passengers, but wind noise becomes noticeable above 70 mph; acoustic windshield only on SE and up.

Tri-zone automatic climate standard on every grade; heated front seats from SE/XLE up and heated wheel on Limited only; no ventilated seats or remote climate.

The 2018 Sienna opened at the L FWD trim with the same 3.5L V6/8-speed as every trim; the range climbed to roughly $48,700 for the Limited Premium AWD.

The LE FWD was the volume configuration, adding power sliding doors, a larger Entune 3.0 screen and tri-zone climate over the L; it undercut contemporary Odyssey EX and Pacifica Touring L stickers.

The 2GR V6 and Aisin 8-speed are proven, low-repair hardware, but a gas V6 minivan carries more scheduled service (and brake wear) than the later hybrid Sienna; industry estimates sit below the minivan average.

The Sienna has long been one of the strongest-holding minivans (Wikipedia notes its Best Resale Value award history); a new-car projection of about half of MSRP retained after five years is in line with the segment leaders.

Toyota's standard basic coverage, matching Honda and Chrysler but behind Kia's 5/60.

Standard Toyota powertrain coverage for the gasoline V6; class-typical, well short of Kia's 10/100.

ToyotaCare covers scheduled maintenance for 2 years/25,000 miles plus 2 years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance — more than Honda or Chrysler included on their 2018 minivans, but a short window.

$34,755 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (52% retained, or about $18,073) leaves about $16,682 in depreciation. Add the projected $4,800 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $21,482 in total.

The sources split: J.D. Power gave the 2018 Sienna 4/5 for predicted reliability, the best in the minivan class, while Consumer Reports rates the 2018 about average for its model year. The trouble spots owners report (climate system, CV joints and driveshafts, timing-cover oil seepage, power sliding doors) are nuisances rather than serious failures, so it lands at the top of the mixed band, just under the Odyssey's peer score.

Around the 2018 model year Toyota sat consistently in the top tier of dependability studies. It shared the top of Consumer Reports' brand reliability rankings with Lexus and was a top-3 brand in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study.

There are 7 NHTSA recalls on the 2018, which is typical for a minivan late in its generation, and none involves the V6 or the transmission. The XL30's real systemic issue is its power sliding doors: the 2011–2016 16V-858 recall and a class-action settlement that covers 2011–2018 vans, including this one. Scored mid-band because door hardware complaints carry through to this model year.

The 2018 Sienna uses the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6, a direct-plus-port-injected development of the 2GR family that has run past 200,000 miles in Highlander, Camry and Sienna service, paired with the Aisin 8-speed automatic introduced for 2017. The known items are water-pump seepage, timing-cover oil leaks and some complaints about how the 8-speed shifts, none of them catastrophic. The 8-speed has a shorter record than the old 6-speed, which keeps this below 90.

The XL30 cabin was functional but dated by 2018. Reviewers noted hard plastics across the dash and doors on the volume LE trim, and the interior trailed the newer Pacifica and Odyssey for perceived quality. It is durable rather than rich, so it sits mid-band.

By 2018 the van had been in production at Toyota's Princeton, Indiana plant for eight years, so assembly was mature and panel fit consistent. Recurring complaints about sliding-door hardware wear, door rattles and infotainment/backup-camera glitches keep it out of the top band.

Toyota runs one of the two densest franchised service networks in the US, roughly 1,200+ dealers, and its service satisfaction is solid. Routine and warranty service on a conventional V6 van is available almost anywhere.

The 2GR V6 and its ancillaries are shared with the Highlander, Camry, Avalon and many Lexus models, so parts are plentiful and independent shops know the engine well. Estimated repair costs run near or below the minivan average. Sliding-door motors and cables are minivan-specific and mostly dealer-sourced, and an XL30 door-cable repair can cost several hundred dollars.

The 2018 Entune 3.0 head unit used a 7-inch touchscreen across the lineup, the bottom of the band.

Entune 3.0 (new for 2018) is simple and responds quickly, but its small screen and app-dependent navigation feel dated with no phone projection to fall back on.

Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto was offered in any form on the 2018 Sienna; Toyota added CarPlay for MY2020.

L–XLE rely on Scout GPS Link phone-app navigation; embedded Dynamic Navigation with Destination Assist on Limited/Premium Audio; basic voice recognition plus Siri Eyes Free.

Adequate six-speaker base system on volume trims; JBL Synthesis premium audio with Clari-Fi available on Limited.

Analog gauges on every grade with a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display between them; no full-digital cluster.

No vehicle software OTA; Entune 3.0 connected nav is app/cloud based and embedded maps update via dealer or download.

Entune 3.0 Remote Connect (remote start/lock/locate) was explicitly not compatible with the 2018 Sienna; only Safety Connect telematics and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Five USB ports spread across all rows was generous for 2018 and a 4G LTE hotspot is standard from LE; ports are USB-A and there is no wireless charging pad.

Smart key with push-button start and power sliding doors/liftgate on mid and upper grades; no remote start app or phone-as-key.

Backup camera standard; parking sonar on upper grades and a Bird's Eye View surround camera only on Limited Premium.

No head-up display was offered on any 2018 Sienna grade.

Dual power sliding doors, 7/8-seat layouts, long-slide second row and four LATCH positions make family logistics easy; IIHS LATCH rated only Acceptable.

TSS-P (AEB with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise, auto high beams) newly standard on every grade and 5-star NHTSA overall, but blind-spot monitoring is SE-and-up and IIHS passenger small overlap was Marginal.

Tri-zone climate, five USB ports and an LTE hotspot on volume trims, reclining captain's chairs, 39+ cu ft behind the third row and available Dual View rear entertainment.

Light steering, soft ride and a smooth, strong V6 make it relaxed in traffic; full-speed range DRCC is not available and the 8-speed can hunt.

22 MPG combined (FWD) on regular fuel is roughly par for a V6 minivan but an expensive commuter overall.

A ~200-in-long van with a 37.5-ft turning circle and good outward visibility; surround camera limited to Limited Premium.

3,500-lb towing with standard tow prep and a strong 296-hp V6, plus 150 cu ft with seats removed — light work duty only.

Proven 2GR V6 and a long-running third-generation platform with strong reliability reputation, but a family-oriented interior.

Cargo tie-down hooks and a big flat load floor once seats are out, but no work-specific provisions and seats must be removed for full cargo space.

Soft ride, supportive seats over distance and a 440-mile EPA range with standard adaptive cruise; wind noise above 70 mph and no lane centering limit it.

The only AWD minivan in its class in 2018 and rated to tow 3,500 lbs, so it handles snowy and gravel roads well; ~6.3-in clearance keeps it on easy trails.

Deep well behind a fold-flat third row, 87 cu ft behind row two and 150 cu ft max; heavy removable second-row seats are the drawback.

Secure but soft and roll-prone on non-SE grades, with crosswind sensitivity at speed; the SE's sport tuning tightens it up somewhat. Behind the Odyssey dynamically.

Light, easy steering suits parking lots but gives little feedback or highway weighting.

Adequate four-wheel discs with predictable pedal for a 4,400+-lb van; nothing notable either way in reviews.

The 296-hp D-4S V6 is smooth and strong — among the quickest minivans — though the 8-speed automatic can be slow to downshift.

The V6 is refined and well isolated; wind, not engine, is the main noise source.

Mid-pack turning diameter for a full-size minivan.

High, commanding seating position with good sightlines and simple controls; short front legroom and a dated center stack layout limit it for tall drivers.

The strong V6 adds some spirit, but the soft, light-steering chassis is appliance-like outside the SE.

For 2018 Toyota made Toyota Safety Sense P (pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, full-speed radar cruise) standard on every Sienna, which rivals still charged for; the base L otherwise remains plain, with power sliding doors and the larger Entune 3.0 screen reserved for LE and up.

A ~$34.8k LE gets a 296-hp V6, 8-speed, standard active-safety suite and the only available AWD in the class, at a sticker below comparable Odyssey and Pacifica trims; dated cabin tech and interior materials keep it from bargain territory.

L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited trims (with Premium packages) span roughly $30.9k–$48.7k, with 7- or 8-passenger seating and FWD or AWD — the widest configurable minivan range of 2018 and the only one offering all-wheel drive.

Roughly 88,000 US sales in 2018 left the Sienna fourth among minivans behind the Grand Caravan, Pacifica and Odyssey, and volume had been sliding as the generation aged.

Toyota's reputation for durability and resale drives loyalty and owner retention; Wikipedia records the Sienna as the 2019 'Longest-Kept Minivan'.

With sales slipping late in the generation, dealers commonly offered cash-back and subsidized financing on 2018 Siennas, though rarely the deep discounting seen on the Grand Caravan.

MY2018 was the eighth year of the XL30 generation launched for 2011; the 2018 facelift and TSS-P added content, but the platform was aging against the 2017 Pacifica and 2018 Odyssey and was replaced by the hybrid-only XL40 for 2021.

Reviewers praised the strong V6, available AWD and reliability record but generally ranked the 2018 Sienna behind the new Odyssey and Pacifica in comparisons for refinement, cabin design and tech; it collected no major class awards that year.