The 2018 Toyota Sienna lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor brake wear and fuel economy issues reported. At $23,850 to $42,550, it’s pricey, but worth the money for an extremely safe and long-lasting minivan.
Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna a Good Used Minivan?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Toyota Sienna since it offers outstanding reliability paired with excellent practicality. Owner reviews praise the upscale cabin, smooth suspension, along with the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a minivan, the seats are supportive on long trips, cargo space is also fantastic with the seats folded.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2018 Sienna. Models from 2008 through 2022 are all very dependable minivans.
- Performance 7/10 – The standard V6 engine is relatively strong, although it’s still a large heavy minivan, making it not a very exciting vehicle to drive.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2018 Sienna is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include surround-view cameras, as well as parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, giving 440 miles of range out of the 20 gallon tank. Gas costs are $20 cheaper than average, at $208 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Toyota Sienna is more expensive than some competitors, but it holds its value well, has low ownership costs, making it a great long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Sienna?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Toyota Sienna is a rational minivan with a long list of strong suits, and it earns very high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the 2018 Sienna at 4.1/5, enjoying the strong V6 engine, but doesn’t like that the second row seats are bulky and awkward to remove.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sienna a 4.4/5, praising the outstanding reliability ratings as it ages, but owners don’t like the lack of a hybrid option.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Toyota Sienna Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Toyota Sienna include excessive brake wear, poor gas mileage, along with burnt out lights. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other minivans on the market, leading to low repair costs as the Sienna ages.
Excessive brake wear is the most widespread problem on the 2018 Sienna, showing up between 15,000 and 20,000 miles. The front brakes tend to wear out quickly due to the weight of the van when it’s fully loaded with people and cargo. Replacing the front brake pads costs around $150, while a set of rotors is an additional $300 if they have been damaged.
Poor gas mileage is another complaint from some 2018 Sienna owners at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the main engine control unit which improves fuel economy. Most dealerships are willing to install these updates for free, while others charge around $50. Toyota is also known for having worse fuel economy compared to other brands to protect engine components.
Burnt out lights have also been reported by some Sienna owners at roughly 20,000 miles. The tail lights and reverse lights are the quickest to burn out. Replacing the bulbs is fairly easy to do at home and costs under $20.
There are seven recalls on the 2018 Toyota Sienna, which is more than some other minivans from the same year. The most serious recalls cover the fuel pump, which may fail. Toyota will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls cover the brake lines along with the steering shaft extension, both of which Toyota will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Toyota Sienna Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Toyota Sienna can last around 300,000 miles, which is slightly longer than other popular minivans like the Honda Odyssey. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other minivans according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $534 per year.
As a used 2018 Toyota Sienna reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the starter relay for $120, tie rods costing $250, as well as the trailing arm which costs around $450.
Very reliable. Other than the regular maintenance we haven't had to take the vehicle into the shop for anything. The only problem we have had since we got it was the Bluetooth speaker does not work. Calls connect to the car and we can hear the caller but they cannot hear us. We haven't been able to troubleshoot this issue ourselves.
Yes, it is very reliable. Haven't experienced any problems since we got it. Our kids love it. It's perfect for our family.
None that I have encountered so far. It has been a very reliable car. We also make sure we have performed all the required monthly maintenance and watch out for any impending issues. We have taken road trips in it numerous times.
So far it has been a really reliable car. We haven't had and problems and it is nice to drive a car without worrying if it is going to break down or not.
Very reliable - I have had it about a year and never had any problems with it. It is very solid, and unfortunately I had a fender bender about 2 months ago, and happily was able to drive away with no problems at all.
Yes, it is reliable. It does not have any problems. My husband does not like the transmission on it and the way it responds on acceleration
We have not had any problems with the van and recently took it on a road trip to the mountains! Very reliable!
It is reliable but we have had some problems with the stripping around the front windows coming off and the van denting easily
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful JBL stereo system.
Standard safety features are better than most other vans with:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high beams
- Rearview camera
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Toyota Sienna is a great value since it’s one of the most reliable minivans on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,850 to $42,550, making it more than a Kia Sedona or Dodge Grand Caravan. When new, the price range was $30,850 to $48,715. Depreciation is similar to other minivans, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Sienna?
There are eight models of the 2018 Toyota Sienna offered from the entry-level L all the way through to the luxurious Limited Premium. The Sienna comes standard with front-wheel drive, it’s also the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Wiper de-icer
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Keyless entry
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, 7-inch touchscreen
- 5 USB ports, CD player, media player interface, auxiliary audio jack
- Toyota Safety Sense (including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic headlights)
LE is a step up, adding:
- Roof rails
- Power-sliding rear doors
- Heated mirrors
- 8-way power-adjustable driver seat
- Upgraded easy-clean fabric upholstery
- Rear sunshades
- HD and satellite radio, Entune apps (Pandora, iHeartRadio, Yelp), Wi-Fi hotspot
- 18-inch wheels for All-wheel-drive versions
SE offers more upgrades such as:
- Sport-tuned suspension, sharper steering
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Unique front fascia, LED daytime running lights
- Power liftgate
- Leather upholstery (first- and second-row)
- Heated front seats
SE Premium has some nice upgrades including:
- Sunroof
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems
- Navigation system
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Driver Easy Speak system
XLE is a popular choice with:
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Imitation-wood trim
- Power-opening rear-quarter windows
- Keyless entry and push-button start
XLE Premium is a small step up adding:
- Rear parking sensors
Limited offers more luxury items:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED daytime running lights
- Auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors
- Front and rear sunroofs
- Front and rear parking sensors
- First- and second-row premium leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- In-dash navigation system
- 10-speaker JBL surround-sound audio system
Limited Premium is the flagship model with:
- Xenon headlights
- Automatic wipers
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Upgraded third-row leather (AWD only)
Optional Packages Include:
- SE Preferred package (for SE trims): Sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless ignition and entry, the Driver Easy Speak system, and the in-dash navigation system.
- XLE Navigation package (for XLE trims): Rear parking sensors, Driver Easy Speak and the in-dash navigation system.
What Engines Come In the Toyota Sienna?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating a robust 296 horsepower at up to 22 MPG. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and efficient shifting. Regarding speed, the 2018 Sienna can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds, providing a quick acceleration for a minivan.
What Colors Does the Toyota Sienna Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Sienna?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna is renowned for its comfortable and spacious interior, designed to provide a pleasant ride for both short and long journeys. It seats seven to eight passengers depending on the configuration, with each passenger given ample space. Front-row seats are designed with long road trips in mind, offering excellent support and comfort with plenty of headroom and legroom. Second-row passengers will also appreciate the abundance of space, even on extended trips. The third row, while slightly less roomy, is still considered more comfortable than most competitors, particularly for children or smaller adults.
The Sienna’s ride quality also contributes to its overall comfort. It’s known for its smooth and quiet ride, absorbing most road imperfections with ease and providing a serene environment inside the cabin. The well-tuned suspension system helps to make sure that passengers feel minimal bumps or jostling, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Finally, the Sienna’s well-organized interior layout is driver-friendly, with easily accessible controls and good outward visibility, adding to the ease and comfort of driving. The 2018 Toyota Sienna’s focus on comfort makes it an excellent choice for families or anyone who spends a good amount of time on the road.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Sienna Have?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna, a vehicle known for its spacious interior and practicality, offers substantial storage space that can cater to various needs. The cargo volume varies depending on the number of seats in use. With all seats in position, the Sienna offers a generous 39.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This is enough to accommodate items such as a full set of golf clubs, multiple large suitcases, or a week’s worth of groceries for a large family.
When you need more space, the Sienna’s flexible seating arrangement comes into play. By folding down the third-row seats, cargo space expands significantly to 87.1 cubic feet. This is large enough to hold bulky items like a bicycle, a large flat-screen TV, or even a small kayak.
For maximum cargo space, folding down both the second and third-row seats gives you a cavernous 150 cubic feet. This makes the Sienna almost as roomy as a small moving van. In this configuration, you could easily fit items such as several large pieces of furniture, a stack of plywood, or even a queen-size mattress.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Toyota Sienna was introduced for the 2011 model year, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2021.
2015: Improved suspension, minor exterior styling changes, and some upgraded interior materials.
2016: Siri Eyes Free added to all models in the Sienna lineup.
2017: Improvements to the V6 engine and a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
2018: Toyota Safety Sense technology is now standard on all models, and rear USB ports added.
2019: Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa added to all models.
2020: New Nightshade edition offered with black exterior trim.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, interior, and engine choices.
How Does the Toyota Sienna Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna is a great minivan since it offers a ton of standard safety features, a strong engine, and excellent long-term reliability ratings as it ages.
The Honda Odyssey is a popular competitor available for around $1,500 less. Entertainment technology is slightly better in the Honda Odyssey, while the Toyota Sienna offers a more comfortable interior. We recommend the Toyota Sienna since it lasts slightly longer, although both are excellent minivans making them worth a test drive to see which you prefer.
The Chrysler Pacifica is another minivan which can be found for about $3,000 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Chrysler Pacifica, while the Toyota Sienna has lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Toyota Sienna since it’s a longer-lasting choice with fewer mechanical problems as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Sienna?
Yes. It is roomy and comfortable and perfect for a family of four. The vehicle has a stow away third row which is very convenient when we have lots of Costco packages or when we have the soccer team with us.
Yes, it's a smooth drive. It's very convenient especially for my family because we have small children. It's easy to put them in and take them out of their car seats. It's also very spacious which I love.
Yes, I have 3 kids and it accommodates their carseats wonderfully. The automatic side doors are a lifesaver when putting them in and out of the car. The gas mileage is good.
Yes it is. I like the safety ratings and it has a lot of room. It is a good family car. It also has fairly good gas mileage and the engine is strong.
Solid and reliable, also good looking. It has enough interior room for my wheelchair maneuvering, and plenty of pep on the highway. It handles well in the snowy or icy winter conditions. I love it.
Yes, it drives well and we have had no problems yet. We have done all required maintenance and it is running very well. We have the entertainment package and the kids love it.
Yes, great family car with plenty of room! We really enjoy how easy it is to put down or up the third row seating
Yes it rides smoothly and has good safety features. We love the automated doors. There is so much room for a family of 5. The gas monitor and alerts are very easy to see.
