From the outside, there’s not much to distinguish the 2018 Toyota Sienna from its predecessor. And, heck, its cabin hasn’t been radically overhauled either. Yet the 2018 Sienna includes a variety of updates under the skin intended to give the venerable minivan a fighting chance against its younger rivals.
The Sienna received a new engine and transmission in 2017, so there’s no news under the hood for 2018. There’s a modest face-lift that includes a new grille and side sills from the previous SE trim level. It’s on the technology front, however, where the Sienna has upped its game most substantially. All 2018 Siennas will include a suite of driver assistance features as standard equipment. This includes a frontal pre-collision system (with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking), lane departure alert and intervention, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.
Its Entune infotainment system has been updated, too. Most of the bottom trim levels come standard with an app-based navigation system, as well as a telematics system and a 4G LTE internet capability for up to five devices. Upper trim levels have a navigation system that enjoys real-time updates and an enhanced audio system. In addition there are now five USB ports and, on the top trim level, a bird’s-eye view display for easier parking maneuvers.
Facing off against the all-new Honda Odyssey and the recently introduced Chrysler Pacifica won’t be easy, but these updates will help when the 2018 Toyota Sienna hits dealers this fall.