Do Toyota Sienna seats fold into the floor?
The Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan known for its versatile seating configuration, including the ability to fold the seats into the floor. This feature provides owners with a flexible and spacious interior that can be easily adapted to accommodate various cargo and passenger needs.
Folding the Sienna's Seats
The Toyota Sienna's seats are designed to fold flat into the floor, creating a completely flat and level cargo area. This is achieved through a simple and intuitive process:
- To fold the second-row seats, simply pull the release strap located on the side of the seat. This will allow the seat to fold forward and down into the floor.
- For the third-row seats, there is a lever or button located near the seat that, when activated, will fold the seat down into the floor.
- Once all the seats are folded, the Sienna's interior provides a large, uninterrupted cargo area that can accommodate bulky items, such as furniture, sports equipment, or large household items.
The ability to fold the Sienna's seats into the floor is a key feature that sets it apart from many other minivans on the market. This versatility allows owners to easily transition between passenger and cargo-hauling modes, making the Sienna a practical and flexible choice for families and individuals with diverse transportation needs.
Benefits of Folding Seats
The Toyota Sienna's folding seat feature offers several benefits to owners:
- Increased Cargo Space: With the seats folded, the Sienna's interior can accommodate large, bulky items that would not fit with the seats in the upright position.
- Flexible Seating Configuration: The ability to fold the seats allows owners to easily adjust the Sienna's interior layout to suit their specific needs, whether that's transporting passengers or cargo.
- Improved Accessibility: The flat cargo area created by the folded seats makes it easier to load and unload large or heavy items, as there are no steps or obstructions to navigate.
- Enhanced Versatility: The Sienna's folding seats give owners the flexibility to adapt the vehicle's interior to their changing transportation requirements, making it a more versatile and practical choice.
Overall, the Toyota Sienna's ability to fold its seats into the floor is a highly valued feature that contributes to the minivan's reputation for practicality, versatility, and user-friendly design.
Do Toyota Sienna seats stow and go?
No, the Toyota Sienna does not have stow and go seats (meaning the second and third rows fold completely into the floor like a Chrysler Pacifica). However, it does have a Split & Stow 3rd Row seat that folds down into a well for easy cargo space and improved versatility. Newer models (2021+) also have second-row captain's chairs that slide a significant distance for more cargo or legroom, but they cannot be removed or folded flat into the floor.
You can watch this video to see how to fold the third-row seats in the Toyota Sienna: 1mMotor City MaggieYouTube · Dec 9, 2024
Third-row seating
- The third row is a 60/40 split seat that can be folded down with one motion for increased cargo space.
- You can fold it down to create a flat-ish floor, and you can also use the seats' recline function when they are in the upright position.
Second-row seating
- The second-row captain's chairs can slide forward and backward up to 25 inches to maximize legroom or cargo space.
- Unlike in older models, the second-row seats in the newest generations are not easily removable and cannot fold into the floor.
Can you fit 4x8 plywood in a Toyota Sienna?
Yes, a 4x8 sheet of plywood can fit in a Toyota Sienna, but the ease depends on the model year and how you prepare the vehicle. For the best results, fold down or remove the second and third-row seats for maximum cargo space.
This video demonstrates how to load a 4x8 sheet of plywood into a minivan: 57sThe Landlords Workshop YouTube · Jan 19, 2023
For the best fit
- Fold down or remove the seats: To create a long, flat cargo area, fold down all available seats. In older models, you may need to completely remove the second-row seats, which can be heavy.
- Slide seats forward: If you can't remove the seats, slide them as far forward as possible to maximize the space in the back.
- Lay sheets flat: Once the seats are managed, lay the 4x8 sheet of plywood on top of the folded seats to make a flat surface. You can fit several sheets this way, but note that the front seats might need to be adjusted to make space.
- Load diagonally: If the sheets are too long, you can load them at an angle. A 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit into the vehicle, but you may not be able to close the rear hatch completely.
For the most efficient load
- Use the van's interior as a guide: To load a 4x8 sheet of plywood, angle the sheet into the vehicle and rest it against the back of the front seats.
- Secure the load: Make sure the load is secured before driving to prevent shifting.
- Check cargo anchors: The van has a cargo anchor to help secure the load, but be careful not to damage the front seats.
- Consider using a truck or utility trailer: If you have a lot of sheets to haul, renting a truck or using a utility trailer may be a safer and more efficient option.
Which van seats fold flat?
The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica is the only minivan in its class to offer available Stow 'n Go Seating and Storage System 1, making the most out of the space inside the interior. The flexible interior cabin allows you to adapt your vehicle to whatever life throws at you on a given day.
What year to stay away from Toyota Sienna?
The Toyota Sienna years to generally avoid are the 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2017-2018 models due to common issues like sliding door problems, transmission troubles, and engine/suspension concerns. While many Siennas are reliable, these specific model years have more reported complaints and recalls.
Model years to avoid
- 2004: This first year of the second generation had the most owner complaints, particularly for sliding door issues.
- 2005: This year is associated with problems such as a faulty automatic sliding door and climate control issues.
- 2007: The 2007 model is often cited for engine and transmission problems, as well as recall issues with the transmission shift lever assembly.
- 2008: Common problems include minor electrical issues and airbag/seat belt concerns.
- 2011: This model year is known for premature suspension wear and engine problems, including stalling and rough idling.
- 2017-early 2018: The 8-speed transmission in these models has been linked to issues like whining, jerky operation, and oil leaks.
Other considerations
- Some sources suggest avoiding the 2006 model due to problems like failed oxygen sensors and sludge buildup, though it is still considered reliable overall.
- While the 2011-2016 models with the 6-speed transmission are generally considered reliable, the 2017-2018 models with the 8-speed transmission are the ones to approach with caution due to transmission problems.
- Regardless of the model year, it's always wise to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before buying any used car.
