2012 Toyota Sienna: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Toyota Sienna is a light-update year following its 2011 redesign. The headline change is that XLE gains a standard power front passenger seat and automatic headlights.
About the 2012 Toyota Sienna
3rd generation (2011-2020), second year after the 2011 full redesign.
Toyota marketed the 2012 Sienna as a family van that did not have to feel dull. The brochure leans on its wide stance, streamlined shape, roomy cabin, flexibility and technology, while Toyota’s launch materials stress comfort, versatility, fuel efficiency and a more responsive driving feel. For most shoppers, the Sienna is the do-it-all family mover: roomy, easy to configure, available with eight-passenger seating, and unusual in this class for offering AWD.
The LE remains the practical family-focused trim, with three-zone air conditioning, easy-clean cloth and a folding third-row seat. The V6-powered SE adds sportier looks and handling, while XLE brings leather, heated front seats and a moonroof. Limited sits at the top with second-row lounge seats, dual moonroofs, upgraded JBL audio and parking sensors.
What changed, by category
2012 Toyota Sienna specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–19 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187–266 hp | 266 hp | 266 hp | 187–266 hp | 266 hp |
| Torque | 186–245 lb-ft | 245 lb-ft | 245 lb-ft | 186–245 lb-ft | 245 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 150 cu-ft | 150 cu-ft | 150 cu-ft | 150 cu-ft | 150 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in | 36.3 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Sliding Doors | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Lounge Rear Seat | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2011 Toyota Sienna?
The biggest difference is added standard equipment on the 2012 XLE, specifically a power front passenger seat and automatic headlights. The rest of the van remains close to the fully redesigned 2011 model, though SE also gains several standard features and the CE trim leaves the lineup.
Was the 2012 Toyota Sienna redesigned?
No, the 2012 Sienna was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the third-generation Sienna introduced for 2011, so its body, cabin layout and basic mechanical package carry over.
Which 2012 Toyota Sienna trim received the main update?
The XLE received the main documented update for 2012. Its power front passenger seat and automatic headlights became standard equipment.
Did the 2012 Toyota Sienna SE gain any standard features?
Yes, the 2012 Sienna SE made Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB connectivity and roof rails standard instead of optional.
Did the 2012 Toyota Sienna's engines or AWD system change?
No, the engine and AWD choices carried over. Base and LE models use either the 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6, while SE, XLE and Limited use the V6; AWD remains part of the LE, XLE and Limited range.