Can't Find a 2022 Toyota Sienna? Consider These Minivans and SUV Instead

The Ford Transit Connect, Honda Odyssey, and Volkswagen Atlas make appealing, people-hauling alternatives to Toyota's strong-selling Sienna minivan.

Andrew Ganz | 

Oct 13, 2022 | 3 min read

Toyota

Frugal hybrid power, a huge interior, and a ton of safety gear have made the 2022 Toyota Sienna an in-demand choice for shoppers seeking three-row comfort and available all-wheel drive. But waiting for an unsold Sienna to arrive at your local dealer may also test your patience.

So popular is the Sienna that some dealers charge over Toyota’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and destination fees, which may make the Sienna a budget-buster.

Here are three options that may be easier to find and cheaper to buy if you’re tired of hunting for a new Sienna.

Ford

Alternative #1: Ford Transit Connect

It’s definitely an offbeat choice, but the 2022 Ford Transit Connect packs a lot of space into a small package. In addition to a much lower starting price—about $33,000 for the Ford versus around $37,000 for the Toyota—this Euro-style people-carrier will also take up less space in your garage. The Sienna stretches about 204 inches long, while the comparatively petite Transit Connect will occupy just 190 inches of garage length.

Even though it’s smaller than the eight-passenger Sienna, the Transit Connect can still accommodate up to seven on board, and the front-wheel drive (FWD) Ford offers a number of optional features to turn it from a work van into a snazzy family hauler. Even in top Titanium trim—with leather seats that are heated up front, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot—the Transit Connect lists for just around $37,000. Add real leather to the Sienna, and you’ll be presented with a whopping $49,000 bill, roughly, for the Limited trim.

Honda

Alternative #2: Honda Odyssey

Minivans are all about interior flexibility, with car brands ready to woo shoppers with their takes on accommodating passengers and gear. The 2022 Honda Odyssey's trump card might be its innovative Magic Slide second-row seats, which consist of two individual chairs that can slide inward or outward. The setup allows for easier access to the third row, even while a child seat is affixed to the second row. Magic Slide can also offer a shorter reach for parents looking to toss a juice box or snack pack rearward.

The FWD Odyssey’s 22 mpg combined city and highway EPA estimate is no match for the FWD Sienna’s impressive 36 mpg rating. Yet, the Honda’s 280-hp V6 delivers 35 more horsepower over the Toyota hybrid’s 245-hp output.

Honda’s simpler trim lineup also means fewer Odyssey configurations. During a time of low dealership inventories, finding your “ideal” Honda van may be easier compared with the wider range of option packages offered on each Sienna trim level.

Volkswagen

Alternative #3: Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row, midsize SUV that does its best minivan impression when it comes to interior space. The big Atlas tops out at nearly 97 cubic feet of cargo room, which compares favorably with the Sienna’s 101-cubic-feet measurement.

And its utility story doesn’t end there. When equipped with a factory-installed trailer hitch and 276-hp V6, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds—1,500 lb more than the heaviest trailer that can be handled by the Sienna.

Andrew Ganz

Andrew Ganz has had cars in his blood ever since he gnawed the paint off of a diecast model as a toddler. After growing up in Dallas, Texas, he earned a journalism degree, worked in public relations for two manufacturers, and served as an editor for a luxury-lifestyle print publication and several well-known automotive websites. In his free time, Andrew loves exploring the Rocky Mountains' best back roads—when he’s not browsing ads for his next car purchase.