The Toyota Sienna Mini Van, redesigned for the 2021 model year and now exclusively available as a hybrid, boasts impressive safety ratings across various tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This article delves into the specific evaluations and results, providing a comprehensive overview of the Sienna’s safety features and performance.
IIHS Crashworthiness Tests: Excellent Performance
The Sienna achieved a “Good” rating, the highest possible, in all crashworthiness tests, demonstrating its robust structure and effective safety systems.
Small Overlap Front Test
This rigorous test simulates a crash into a tree or pole, impacting only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end. The Sienna received a “Good” rating for both driver and passenger sides. Measurements indicate minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment and low risk of injury. Images from the test show the Sienna’s structure maintained its integrity, protecting the occupants’ survival space. The driver-side airbag and side curtain airbags worked in tandem to prevent head injuries.
Moderate Overlap Front Test
In this more common crash scenario, 40% of the vehicle’s front impacts a barrier. The Sienna earned a “Good” rating in both the original and updated moderate overlap front tests. The updated test, introduced in 2023, incorporates a rear passenger dummy to assess the risk of injury to occupants in the second row. While the Sienna maintained a “Good” rating for structural integrity and driver protection, the rear passenger restraint system showed some weaknesses, resulting in a “Poor” rating for rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics.
Side Crash Test
Simulating a T-bone collision, the side crash test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants from severe side impacts. The Sienna excelled in this test, earning a “Good” rating. Measurements showed minimal intrusion into the passenger compartment, and injury measures for both driver and rear passenger indicated a low risk of serious harm.
Other Safety Features: Headlights, Pedestrian Detection, and Child Seat Anchors
Beyond crash tests, the IIHS evaluates other crucial safety aspects.
Headlights
The Sienna offers two different headlight variations, both receiving a “Good” rating. The LED reflector headlights found on most trims provide good visibility in most scenarios. The LED projector headlights available on the Platinum trim offer similar performance with slightly improved visibility on curves. Both variations benefit from high-beam assist, which automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian
The Sienna’s standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system with Pedestrian Detection earned a superior rating of “A”. In both day and night tests, the system effectively avoided or mitigated collisions with child and adult pedestrians in various scenarios.
Seat Belt Reminders and Child Seat Anchors
The Sienna received a “Good” rating for its seat belt reminder system, featuring persistent audible and visual alerts for unbelted occupants. The Sienna also earned a “Good+” rating for child seat anchors (LATCH), with easy-to-use lower anchors and tether anchors in all rear seating positions, plus extra LATCH positions.
Conclusion: The Toyota Sienna, a Safe Choice for Families
The Toyota Sienna mini van consistently earns top marks in safety ratings, making it a strong choice for families prioritizing safety. Its excellent performance in crash tests, coupled with advanced safety features like pedestrian detection and high-beam assist, contributes to its comprehensive safety profile. However, potential buyers should be aware of the lower rating for rear passenger restraint system performance in the updated moderate overlap front test.
