Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Toyota Sienna
The 2021 Toyota Sienna is a minivan that earns a Carivo score of 8.0/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The Sienna nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 9.0/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.5/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $33,565–$40,670, 33 MPG, seating 8, the Toyota Sienna sits in the mid-market bracket of the minivan segment. At 7.9/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Toyota Sienna will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good minivan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Minivans
The 2021 Toyota Sienna ranks #3 of 47 minivans in the Carivo database — better than 96% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $33,565 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $33,751.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Sienna Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Sienna scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.0 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Strong fuel economy at 33 MPG, keeping running costs low
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Toyota Sienna (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electronic stability control (esc) / Control module / Software 13/04/2022 · 22V239000
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The…
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Toyota Sienna that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Toyota Sienna
Is the 2021 Toyota Sienna reliable?
We rate the 2021 Toyota Sienna's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Sienna have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Toyota Sienna worth buying?
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #3 of 47 minivans in our database (better than 96% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Sienna cost?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna starts at $33,565 and ranges up to $40,670 across trims (MSRP when new). At 33 MPG, expect roughly $1,591/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Sienna years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 Sienna model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.0/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Toyota Sienna have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Toyota Sienna are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electronic stability control (esc), Equipment adaptive/mobility (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Sienna
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Similar Minivan to Consider
Other minivans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
2021 model shown
