2021 Toyota Sienna Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

It does not matter how popular SUVs get, some families will always prefer the minivan. Of course, the rising popularity of the three-row SUVs has resulted in the minivan segment of the market shrinking a bit. The remaining options have to be excellent in all areas in order to stay relevant.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna has been completely redesigned and is launching its fourth generation. As a result, it offers more modern features and design touches than before. Its spacious cabin is full of comfort-enhancing touches, and the list of available technology features is something that is sure to attract buyers. Perhaps even more significant is the new standard hybrid powertrain, which provides strong fuel economy numbers without sacrificing power.

Deciding that you want a 2021 Sienna is only half of the battle. You then have to decide which of the five trim levels will best suit your needs. The entry-level LE is decently well-equipped, while the upper Limited and Platinum models get downright luxurious.

If you are torn between the 2021 Toyota Sienna trim levels, the following guide can help. Here is a breakdown of the significant differences you will find as you move up the trim ladder.

Compare the 2021 Toyota Sienna LE vs XLE Trims. What is the difference?

The new standard powertrain for the entire Sienna lineup is a 2.5L four-cylinder with two electric motors. This combination is good for 245-horsepower. A continuously variable transmission along with front-wheel drive is standard, although you can also get your Sienna with all-wheel drive at any trim level for an extra $2,000. When properly equipped, all models of this minivan can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Just how fuel-efficient is the new hybrid setup? With the standard front-wheel drive, you can expect 36mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway. Even more impressive is the fact that going up to all-wheel drive will only drop the highway number by one and does not affect the city estimate at all.

Exterior features are stylish and useful for the entry-level LE. This model comes with LED headlights with a handy on/off feature. On the back of the vehicle, you will find that the brake lights are LED as well. Heated and powered side mirrors are also included. When it is time to step inside the Sienna LE, power-sliding side doors make it easy.

The LE is a family-friendly choice, coming standard with room for up to eight. Fabric-trimmed seats are found here, along with eight-way power-adjustment for the driver's seat. Both the second and third rows are easy to stow, making the 2021 Sienna a versatile option.

Remote keyless entry and push-button start are also included from the LE trim level and up. The center console shows off sophisticated wood grain accents, something that is pretty unique for an entry-level model. It includes an illuminated storage compartment and four illuminated cupholders. In total, you will also find 18 cupholders in the Sienna LE.

The interior space of the Sienna in 2021 is truly cavernous, no matter which trim level you choose. Behind the third-row, you will find 33.5 cubic feet. Behind the second-row, there are 75.2 cubic feet, while the maximum cargo capacity is 101 cubic feet. This is particularly impressive, considering the fact that this is a hybrid. Most hybrids out there find that their powertrains take up a lot of cargo space.

A 9-inch touchscreen runs the infotainment system. It gives drivers Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The compatibility with Android devices is new for 2021 and is a feature that many people will agree was overdue. In total, you will find six speakers and seven USB ports in the cabin of the LE. That is a lot of USB ports for an entry-level model, and you will find that the number does not increase as you hit higher trims.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is equipped on all models of the 2021 Sienna. Found within this bundle are useful features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and road sign assist. The LE also comes with full-speed radar cruise control.

Although not technically part of the Safety Sense bundle, both blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors are standard as well. Plenty of traditional safety features are also found on the Sienna LE, including ten airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and electronic brake-force distribution. Hill-start assist is also included.

The XLE makes no changes to the Sienna mechanically and only minor changes to the exterior design. This model does get fog lights along with chrome accents on the door handles, however. On the practicality front, the XLE gains hands-free power-sliding side doors and a power liftgate with jam protection, which are features that many parents will consider important. It also gets a panoramic sunroof.

Interior upgrades are even more significant when going up to the XLE. This model has quad-zone rather than tri-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. The upholstery is synthetic leather rather than cloth as well. Choosing the XLE means getting seating for up to seven because second-row captain's chairs become standard. Switching them out for a second-row bench seat is a no-cost option, however.

An auto-dimming rearview mirror is found inside this trim. The technology features are almost identical, although this model gains two more speakers to bring its total up to eight. The XLE is eligible for an upgrade that will give it a 9-inch touchscreen and 12-speaker premium audio system by JBL. The convenience of the Sienna is upped for this trim with its standard 120-volt household-style power outlet.

Many of the upgrades for the XLE can be had on the base model if buyers add the LE Plus Package. An XLE Plus Package also exists, and it includes the upgraded infotainment system, black roof rails, and wireless device charging. Having that package equipped opens up more package options for the XLE, including a rear-seat entertainment one.

Compare the 2021 Toyota Sienna XLE vs XSE Trims. What is the difference?

Buyers after a sportier variation of the Sienna will undoubtedly want the XSE. Although the engine and drivetrain options remain the same, this model gets a stiffer sport-tuned suspension. While the previous two models sat on 17-inch wheels, front-wheel-drive XSE models go up to 20-inches. All-wheel-drive models settle for 18-inches.

Rather than a plain black grille, the XSE gets a metallic one. The side mirrors are black as well. This trim level is not available with a second-row bench, limiting its maximum seating capacity to seven.

The XSE is the first trim level to get Driver Easy Speak. This in-vehicle intercom system is handy for parents who do not want to have to shout to be heard in the back row. The upgraded infotainment system with the 9-inch touchscreen is standard for the XSE. This is the only trim level to get satin-grain-style accents for its center console.

The only package available is the XSE Plus Package. It adds everything that the XLE Plus Package did that is not already standard for the XSE. Buyers who are okay with seating for seven and want family-friendly features like the in-vehicle intercom may find the XSE to be their perfect fit.

Compare the 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

For the Limited, the sport-tuned suspension is gone. This trim stands out from other models with its dark gray metallic grille. The side mirrors pick up an auto-dimming feature when you choose the Limited trim, and chrome roof rails become standard. The wheel size for the Limited is 18-inches.

Wireless device charging is perhaps the most exciting change found inside of the Limited model. The upholstery is leather-trimmed, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated for the ultimate in comfort. Parents may choose this model based solely on the fact that it comes with an integrated vacuum system, perfect for clearing out dirt and crumbs.

The Limited trim level is eligible for a digital rearview mirror with a universal garage door opener. This is a useful feature when the cargo hold is full because you can still get an unobstructed view of what is behind your Sienna. Prior to this model, a 4.2-inch multi-information display has been standard. For the Limited and Platinum, this screen size jumps up to 7-inches. The 12-speaker audio system is standard for this near-the-top trim.

Like the XSE, the Limited is only available with seating for up to seven, something that larger families and carpool drivers will want to keep in mind. If that is not an issue, the more impressive technology features may be enough to lure some buyers into picking this trim.

Compare the 2021 Toyota Sienna Limited vs Platinum Trims. What is the difference?

The top trim of the 2021 Sienna is fully-loaded and quite pricey as a result, particularly if you want it with an all-wheel-drive setup. Either drivetrain will come with 20-inch metallic wheels. While undeniably stylish, the size of these wheels does somewhat take away from the ride comfort of the vehicle. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are added to the standard equipment list of the Sienna when you choose the Platinum model.

One of the most impressive upgrades for this model is the bird's eye view camera that offers a 360-degree top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings. A 10-inch head-up display is also included and will project useful information directly into your line of sight. In theory, this will cut down on driver distraction and help keep everyone safer. The second-row seats are heated when you choose this trim, as well as the steering wheel.

Otherwise, the Platinum trim level is the same as the Limited. The rear-seat entertainment system and digital rearview mirror remain merely optional features, unfortunately.

Which Trim to Choose?

This is a vehicle where there truly is no bad choice. The 2021 Toyota Sienna starts out strong with its entry-level LE and continues to build from there. As a result, many drivers will be satisfied with saving some money and sticking with this model.

That said, the XLE is worth serious consideration for its heated front seats and hands-free power-sliding side doors, which can truly make a difference in day-to-day life. With its leather-wrapped steering wheel and simulated leather upholstery, this trim level looks a bit more upscale inside. The XLE is also available with more packages and add-ons than the entry-level model.

Although the XSE is fun, no one really needs a sport-tuned suspension for a minivan. The Limited and Platinum trim levels both have luxury-level features, but, unfortunately, have price tags that reflect that. As a result, the majority of buyers will want to stick with the first two trim levels unless they really have their hearts set on wireless device charging or a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna XLE is a sophisticated and well-rounded option that will work perfectly for most families.