2020 Toyota Sienna Review: A Winner for Families? We went to find out

In This Review: The 2020 Toyota Sienna is loaded with infotainment technology and safety features that make it a good choice for families. However, minivans today demand a premium on par with SUVs and crossovers. Exterior design 85 Interior layout 90 Driving dynamics 80 Safety and performance

Minivans often get the bulk of the jokes, but they're still the best when it comes to versatility and flexible seating for growing families. This week we tested the best in the minivan lineup: the plush 2020 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium. Find out why this might be the best option for family haulers.

Toyota Sienna: what's new in 2020?

The 2020 Toyota Sienna remains unchanged, but the minivan gets a new Nightshade Edition with blacked out procedures. For 2020, the Sienna is available in five grades: L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. LE and XLE have an option for a 330-pound Automatic Access Seat. load capacity. All models are standard with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes a range of features to help keep families safe.

Features and options: linen list

The premium 2020 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD trim ($49,190) has everything your family wants and needs. This is standard with automatic headlights; wiper defroster; three-zone automatic climate control; and a rearview camera. Technical features include a seven-inch touchscreen with Toyota Entune interface; Apple CarPlay; Bluetooth connection; and five USB ports.

Our Limited Premium also came with a sunroof; keyless ignition and entry; blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic warning systems; navigation and JBL premium stereo system; rear seat entertainment system; and the Driver Easy Speak system, which amplifies the driver's voice through the rear speakers.

Our plush tester rode 18-inch alloy wheels and featured a different grille; LED daytime running lights; automatic dimming and folding mirrors; and front and rear parking sensors. Inside is premium leather upholstery in the first and second rows, driver seat memory functions and a heated steering wheel.

How much does a 2020 Toyota Sienna cost?

Total MSRP for our tester, including destination: 51,427. By comparison, the 2020 Toyota Sienna starts at $ 31,565.

2020 Toyota Sienna Nightshade Edition.

The main characteristics of the interior: comfort and technology

You buy a Sienna minivan for family comfort. Limited models offer an extra level of comfort with leather seats, a heated steering wheel and superior sound. Adults will love these features, but of course, kids will love the rear-seat entertainment system when you go on long trips. What they might not like is when mom or dad sits down at the speaker and tells them to stop fighting their sibling.

Our Sienna tester came with detachable second-row captain's chairs that allow easy access to the third row. Passengers can pull down the curtains on the windows and have their own cinema to keep them comfortable on long journeys. The entertainment system has Blu-ray function, HDMI input and SDXC card reader which can play 10 different audio and video formats.

Interior highlights: Safety and protection

The 2020 Sienna comes with eight airbags, including two-stage front airbags; installed side airbags for the driver and front passenger; side curtain airbags in all three rows; front passenger seat airbag plus driver's knee airbag. Active head restraints in the front seats reduce the risk of whiplash. There are four latches in the second and third rows (lower anchors and child mounts).

• Related: Everything you need to know about Toyota warranties.

Interior highlights: Lots of room

The third row folds down to the floor, while the second row chairs can be folded away to create a huge cargo area big enough to fit IKEA furniture. One of the distinguishing features of the Sienna is the small jump seat located between the second row captain's chairs. This allows you to add an extra passenger if you're carrying the football team for ice cream after a game. When you don't need it, you can easily remove the seat and stow it away, providing second-row passengers with comfort in the living room.

Barrier is standard on SE, XLE and Limited. The 2020 Toyota Sienna can even carry 4×8 feet. plywood sheets.

2020 Toyota Sienna: Engine and Towing Specs

The 2020 Toyota Sienna is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with direct fuel injection. The engine develops 296 horsepower and 263 Nm. of torque and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Standard Tow Arrangement Package allows the Sienna to haul 3500 pounds.

Is this a Toyota Sienna AWD?

LE, XLE and Limited have an option for all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy ratings come in at 18/24 city/highway and 20 when combined with all-wheel drive. If you don't need all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive models increase mileage to 19/27 city/highway and 22 combined. In terms of fuel economy compared to the competition, the 2020 Toyota Sienna isn't the best, but it isn't the worst either.

Toyota Sienna is equipped with a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with direct injection. The engine creates 296 horsepower.

How's the 2020 Toyota Sienna Drive?

The 2020 Toyota Sienna is built for comfort over performance, but it's still one of the fastest minivans available. It will pick up speed on the highway with no problem. In addition, families will be more concerned about safety, comfort, and whether they are maneuverable in the city or not.