Since the beginning of its production in 1997, Toyota Sienna has been killing two birds with one stone. On the one end, it has the same spacious design and lots of storage options as that of a minivan. On the other end, it offers the all-wheel-drive option, a feature that you normally get from crossovers.
Apart from taking care of your comfort, this minivan also ensures your safety. It’s one of the few minivans on the market that have received the prestigious ‘Top Safety Pick’ award from the United State’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Little wonder then that it’s the top pick in the class of minivans.
What’s more, Toyota has recently announced that the 2020 Sienna will be equipped with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay connectivity. All that is left for you to enjoy all these features is a set of tires that would complement this vehicle’s features to make your ride as comfortable (and safe) as possible.
Best Tires For Toyota Sienna
All-Season Tires
General Altimax RT43
Are you looking for an all-season tire that won’t cost you to break the bank? The General Altimax RT43 is a best-selling model which attracts Toyota Sienna drivers with its standard price. Throw into the mix its huge grip and brilliant traction, and it gets easier to see why this tire is so popular.
Features
General hasn’t sacrificed any features to keep the price of the Altimax RT43 in your budget. That fact becomes obvious as soon as you learn the characteristics of its 2-layered tread compound. The upper layer has enough density to handle summer whereas the flexible inner layer maintains grip in winter.
Aside from that, you can also be sure that the inner layer would absorb vibrations and provide a comfortable ride. Though it isn’t only the inner layer that deserves credit for this – as the independent tread blocks and the continuous center rib also play the part to minimize road disturbances.
There won’t be much noise to trouble you during a highway journey. The Altimax RT43 makes sure of that with its Sound-Wave Suppression Technology. We aren’t going to bore you by explaining the technicalities behind this feature, but you should trust us when we say that this technology works.
Preventing the one drawback which other all-season tires suffer from, the Low Surface Abrasion Technology of this tire will keep road friction to a minimum. It does that by widening the road-contact-area of the tire, thereby increasing the grip and minimizing road abrasion.
Hence the reason why you can count on this tire to last as long as it would. Also, the RT43 is equipped with two indicators which you normally get in winter tires – a Tire Replacement Indicator and Visual Wear Indicator. So you’d know beforehand when it’s time to have the tire replaced.
Pros
- Low Surface Abrasion Technology
- Noise Wave Suppression Technology
- Three tire maintenance indicators
Cons
- Handling isn’t as great as its premium competitors
Continental TrueContact
The Continental TrueContact is one of the most inexpensive all-season tires on the market. Perhaps that’s why you would notice that its handling at higher speeds isn’t the best in the world. Luckily, that’s the only drawback this tire suffers from, as it has its bases covered on all the other points.
Features
When was the last time you saw an all-season tire that had a feature that not only improved your vehicle’s fuel efficiency but also increased its treadwear? The Continental TrueContact is one of those rare models whose new tread compound provides both these benefits.
That means that not only you’d be paying less upfront for this tire, but it would also cost you less in the long run. The reason why it has been able to provide this highly sought after benefit is its EcoPlus technology – which minimizes your vehicle’s emissions by decreasing the rolling resistance of this tire.
Apart from that, the symmetric tread pattern also deserves a mention. Its main responsibility is to increase the steering performance of this standard touring tire on paved roads. What it also does, albeit a bit more sinisterly, is justify the ‘TrueContact’ name by ameliorating this tire’s grip on the road.
You can’t guess that this tire can be driven in summer conditions based on its winter performance. It has multiple lateral grooves and the same number of circumferential grooves which, by effectively channeling water from beneath the tire’s surface, keep hydroplaning at bay.
On top of everything else, their winter handling won’t force you to replace these models with dedicated winter tires in icy conditions. It comes with traction grooves that bare their biting edges when the road is extra-slippery, which is often the case when the mercury falls below zero Celsius.
Pros
- Competitive asking price
- Better fuel efficiency
- 90,000-mile treadwear warranty
Cons
- Responsiveness can’t compete with its pricier rivals
Michelin Defender T+H
Like most tires you see on the market, the Michelin Defender T+H wasn’t released yesterday, as this model hit the shelves for the first time in 2012. Unlike most of them, it has seen periodic upgrades in its design which continue to keep this relevant in 2020.
Features
Although this tire has received its fair share of upgrades over the years, the three technologies which we’re a fan of have been a part of its feature-list since 2012. Foremost among them is its ‘Comfort Control Technology’ whose name conveys its purpose and the way it would affect your ride.
Then comes the ‘Intellisipe Technology’ which is specifically targeted towards minivan owners. It has equipped the tire’s outer layer with biting edges. They, in turn, help improve this tire’s winter handling as well as increase its grip during high-speed driving.
You don’t only have this technology to thank for a safe and sound driving experience. Three other features, including the tire’s high silica content, its flexible tread compound, and zigzag sipes also help ensure that you and your loved ones have safe driving experience on the road.
In case you’re wondering, all the three features offer their unique benefits. The high silica content increases in circumference on extra-slippery roads to ensure optimum traction. The flexible tread and zigzag sipes, meanwhile, improve the handling of the vehicle in winter conditions.
Whereas the first two technologies concern themselves with your safety and comfort, the third help improves the tread life of this tire. Named ‘MaxTouch’ it minimizes stress points along the tire’s circumference by evenly distributing its tread area on the road.
Pros
- Multiple safety features
- Comfortable driving experience
- Longer tire and tread life
Cons
- Not for snow
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
First things first, those of you on a limited budget might not be able to pay the asking price of the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady. It’s a rather pricey tire which costs you a whopping amount, and is made for those who want the best all-season performance and can afford to pay whatever it takes for the same.
Features
Let’s start with a glance at features that have driven the price of this tire up north. The most notable among them is its asymmetric tread pattern. Supplemented with sweeping traction grooves, it empowers the Assurance WeatherReady to offer extreme performance in harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, in the shape of its evolving traction grooves, this tire has yet another ace up its sleeve. These grooves won’t be visible as the tire is new and no damage has been done to its tread. It will only bare its teeth when the tire has started to wear, thereby maintaining its grip even when the tire’s rugged.
Its 3D TredLock technology also improves the cornering grip of the WeatherReady. This technology has locked the tread in a symmetric pattern to make sure that regardless of whether you’re driving through slush or snow, there won’t be an iota of difference in the tire’s grip.
Taking a leaf out of Michelin Premier A/S’ book, the Assurance WeatherReady has been equipped with tread groove technology. It closes down the tread in the face of hard cornering, before opening it again on snow and wet pavements. Consequently, the tire’s traction won’t decrease on any surface.
Lastly, you might be wondering after looking at its features that the WeatherReady is a winter tire. The tire itself negates this myth by offering a market-high 60,000-mile warranty, which you won’t get in even the best winter tires on the market.
Pros
- Prevents hydroplaning
- Has a bigger contact patch
- Remains useful in heavy snow
Cons
- Pricey
Nitto Motivo
There aren’t many all-season tires on the market which offer ultra-high performance on the dry tarmac as well as extreme handling on wet terrains. Apart from offering the same, the Nitto Motivo can withstand tons of abuse while also remaining silent.
Features
One reason why you might not have heard of this tire before is its brand name. The other has to do with the fact that Nitto is known for making ultra-performance tires for speed enthusiasts. Hence the reason why most consumers either overlook this model or not think highly of it.
You shouldn’t do that if a) you know what all-season, ultra-high performance tires are capable of and b) you don’t want to miss out on a tire which offers the same in a competitive budget. In fact, as its features mentioned below will show, the Nitto Motivo has something extra to further sweeten the deal.
That something else is the alignment indicators that dot the entire circumference of this tire. Two in number and located on the inner and outer side of the tire, the indicators, if they aren’t parallel with each other, are a sign that it’s time to take the Motivo to the mechanic.
Fortunately, you won’t have to take that trip often, as this model comes equipped with a solid center rib. It helps make sure that your vehicle’s straight-line stability is maintained. As a result, when your Toyota Sienna won’t veer on one side or the other, the tire won’t need realignment soon.
Provided you can risk raising the eyebrows of those around you, get near the tire and look closely at its tread. There you’d see its 3D multi-wave sipes whose biting edges provide continuous traction over snowy, dry and wet roads. Also, the tire is backed with a 60,000-mile warranty to indicate its durability.
Pros
- Secured with a 60,000-mile warranty
- Equipped with alignment indicators
- 3D Multiwave sipes provide winter traction
Cons
- Limited size range
Winter Tires
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is a dedicated winter tire that could withstand the worst tantrums Mother Nature can throw at it. It’s for this very reason that this model is extremely popular among those living in snow and ice conditions.
Features
What is it that makes ‘simple’ tires ineffective in the snow? In other words, why do tires, which have an exemplary grip in dry and wet conditions, lose their traction in extreme weather conditions? The answer to both these questions lies in the tread, and that’s the area where the WS80 really shines.
Bridgestone has equipped this tire with its ‘Next-Gen Tube Multicell Compound’. This special substance has introduced ‘Swiss Cheese’ voids into the tread area which gives the WS80 the necessary flexibility to remain operable in winter conditions. It also has a hydrophilic coating to clear the tread area of water.
As good as all these features are, they cannot compete with the micro-texture technology, bite particles, and 3D zigzag sipes as far as the tire’s snow performance is concerned. The technology has roughened up the tread’s surface to help complement Bridgestone’s claim of this tire providing a 10% added grip.
Then there are the bite particles that bare their teeth to provide absolute grip on snow-laded roads. Equally useful are the 3D zigzag sipes that decrease squishiness by preventing the tread blocks from needless flexing. You can’t ignore the block edges too as they increase this tire’s biting edges by 20%.
Best of all, the tread area is dotted with angled tread blocks. They are set at a 45* angle to the rotation of the tire and help improve its lateral snow grip. Bridgestone claims that alongside the abovementioned tread blocks, they ensure a 20% increase in the grip of the WS80.
Pros
- Huge stopping power
- Bite particles for added ice traction
- Reliable handling in tough conditions
Cons
- Pricey
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
Similar to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is also a studless snow and ice tire for Toyota Sienna. It combines some innovative features and a flexible tread area to ensure the safety of your loved ones on extra-slippery roads.
Features
In case you were thinking, the ‘WRT’ in the tire’s name stands for Winter Reactive Technology. This is Goodyear’s way of telling you that this tire has all the features – sipes, grooves, and tread compound – that would give your Toyota Sienna best stopping, starting and cornering power on ice and in snow.
The presence of the winter-loving silica enhanced tread compound help ensure the tread’s flexibility in extreme conditions. Also, since it features sweeping and counter-sweeping grooves, you won’t have to worry about this tire’s ability to channel water from beneath its surface.
Its 3D TredLock technology plays an equally important role in this tire’s winter performance. That’s mainly because this technology has inculcated multiple siping patterns on the tire’s shoulders, which lock together to enhance cornering grip and reduce wear and tread block flexing.
Also present are 2D sipes, though their location in the tire’s center area won’t expose them to a naked eye. You cannot remain oblivious to their presence as it is these sipes that will help the tire bite into ice and snow, thereby improving its liner grip.
Aside from everything else, the Ice WRT lets you fit it with studs for even better winter performance. Its outer edge is protected by a thick belt of rubber that protects the edges of the wheel from sidewalls, raised road shoulders and other dangers to retain its cosmetic finish.
Pros
- Mountain/snowflake symbol
- Excellent cornering grip
- Option of adding studs
Cons
- The linear grip could have been better
Touring Tires
Cooper CS5 Grand Touring
Most drivers have a misconception about the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring which leads them to believe that it’s a tire for the vehicle with the same first name. That isn’t true as this grand-touring tire is available in all sizes and is as useful for a Cooper as it is for a Toyota Sienna.
Features
Other touring tires don’t come with features that reduce tread wear, as their manufacturers (rightly) think that highway rides won’t pose this problem. Cooper CS5 is different. It features interlocking 3D grooves that join their forces to increase its road contact and minimize tread wear.
And what benefits can you reap from this arrangement? For starters, as the tire’s contact area with the road increases, so does its grip and overall traction. That should help you have full steering control regardless of whether you’re driving on dry tarmac or through deep puddles.
What is more, this tire boasts more siping at half-worn to increase the longevity of its original grip. It also comes with a visual wear indicator whose shape changes with the life of the tread. If you have difficulty in seeing the indicator, it’s a sign that the tire needs replacement.
Provided you are sitting close to the tire, you’ll notice two square-shaped symbols on its internal and external side. Cooper calls them ‘Wear Squares’ and their purpose isn’t limited to aesthetics. As long as both of them are aligned, you won’t have to get your car’s vehicles realigned.
Pros
- 3D siping stabilizes the tread
- Comes with a visual wear indicator
- Has alignment indicators
Cons
- Not for winter
Michelin Premier A/S
The Michelin Premier A/S serves a brilliant example of the benefits you can reap when you go for an all-season, touring tire. It provides the traction of all-season models and joins the same with the sturdiness of touring tires to provide you with comfortable driving experience.
Features
When was the last time you heard/read any use of sunflower oil besides that for cooking? Chances are that you haven’t. You might be surprised to know, then, that the Premier A/S has used the sunflower oil in its tread. What would be more surprising for you is that this compound works!
That is right; alongside the twin internal steel belts – which increase the overall sturdiness of this model – the sunflower oil silica compound tread increases the tire’s flexibility. Hence the reason why you can rely on this tire to not sell you midway through your journey on a cold, wet road.
Speed enthusiasts among you might find it good to know that this tire has a speed-rating which will satiate all their high-speed appetites. Family persons, meanwhile, can take solace from its H speed-rating, whose relative lower speed limit means you can drive leisurely at your own pace.
It also has the EverGrip technology which widens the tire’s grooves to provide excellent traction on the most demanding of surfaces. Then comes the Comfort Control Technology which won’t only make your ride comfortable but also help Michelin provide a 60,000 miles warranty on this model.
Lastly, the Premier A/S features expanding grooves for better wet-weather performance. They make sure that the water coming inside the tread is ejected at the same rate. This arrangement ensures that the tire’s contact with the road isn’t cut off and, therefore, keeps hydroplaning at bay.
Pros
- 60,000 miles warranty
- Excellent traction on wet surfaces
- Vibrations-free driving experience
Cons
- Not designed to be driven on heavy snow
Summer Tires
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Had it not been for their high-speed performance, there might not have been any difference of note between the summer and all-season tires. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport emphasizes this difference with its ultra-high-speed rating and extreme high-speed stability to make it a worth-having option for summers.
Features
One of the major reasons why we selected the Super Sport as the best summer tire for Toyota Sienna is its ability to prevent oversteering. That’s a phenomenon where the car’s front wheels lose grip when cornering at high speeds, though it won’t likely happen with this tire due to the grip it provides.
Furthermore, its dedication for summer hasn’t stopped the Pilot Super Sport from coming up with a bi-compound tread. It features an inner rubber substance whose 80% of the surface has been optimized to provide added grip on wet roads, with the remaining 20% tasked with dry handling.
Then comes the Variable Contact Patch 2.0 which is basically a fancy name for these tires’ tread patterns. What isn’t fancy is the better speed pressure that it delivers. The patch changes its shape during cornering to make sure that the surface area of the rubber in contact with the road doesn’t decrease.
Lastly, to observe their braking stability, we hard-pressed the pedal when the speedometer was indicating 130mph. Not only did the speed came down to 30mph in a matter of seconds but our vehicle remained in our full control to the extent that if we wanted we could have taken a hard right-hand turn.
Pros
- Excellent cornering and braking capabilities
- Retain structural rigidity at high speeds
- 80/20 wet & dry tread design ensures wet traction
Cons
- Make a little noise
How to Choose the Best Tires for Toyota Sienna?
Unlike drivers of crossovers and SUVs, most people who drive minivans like the Toyota Sienna aren’t speed merchants. Since they’d be using the Sienna as a family car, so they want tires that would ensure the comfort and safety of their loved ones, even if they’ve to compromise on speed.
However, there are also people who think that its all-wheel-drive option gives them the license to explore the extreme right side of their speedometer. Such people care less about comfort, as its better handling at a higher speed that attracts them the most.
In the end, your search for the best tires for Toyota Sienna will boil down to two things a) what you can afford to pay and b) what you want for what you’d be paying. These two factors will determine which of the following set of tires you’d end up with.
All-Season Tires
As their name implies, the all-season tires remain useful throughout the year. These tires have enough flexibility in their tread to hold their own in moderate winter conditions, with their inner steel belts and the sturdiness in their tread ensuring their grip on summer roads.
As long as you aren’t going to drive them on snow, these tires won’t give you many reasons for complaint. Their poor performance on ice owes to the lack of biting edges in their design, which shouldn’t be a concern for most Toyota Sienna drivers.
Pros
- Good road handling
- Short braking distances
- Quiet and comfortable ride
Cons
- Not for snow
Summer tires
The summer tires are made for roads where speed limits allow you to press the pedal to the metal, i.e. highways and cross-country roads. That’s because these tires have the innate ability to tackle corners and provide extreme handling at the most astronomical of speeds.
If you find these features of summer tires helpful, you have two options to choose from: touring summer tires and high-performance summer tires. The former doesn’t provide as brilliant high-speed handling as the latter but they consume less fuel and provide a more comfortable ride.
Pros
- Excellent road grip
- Great traction in summer
- Handle aggressive driving style
Cons
- Loud
Winter tires
Drivers who are selecting tires for the first time might think of winter tires as some big and huge models which can only fit crossovers like the Toyota Highlander. Luckily, that’s not the case as the best winter tires come in all sizes, thereby making them useful for minivans like the Toyota Sienna.
The main reason why the winter tires can ensure grip and traction in extreme snow conditions is their biting edges. Supported by the flexible tread and popularized by the mountain/snowflake symbol, these ‘sipes’ help the tire bite into the snow. So it won’t just skid over the extra-slippery surface.
Pros
- Great grip in snow
- Traction on icy roads
- Safe to drive in extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Small tread life
Touring tires
Do you want quiet tires for your Toyota Sienna? Then you might want to consider touring tires as these models are as noise-free as they come. Apart from keeping the external noises at bay, or perhaps because of it, the best touring tires ensure extreme comfort on most road trips.
Aside from that, you’d have no qualms about their durability. These tires come with some of the longest warranty periods, usually more than 60,000 miles. The only downside of these tires is that their high-speed handling leaves much to be desired.
Pros
- Extremely fuel-efficient
- Offer quiet rides
- Have a longer tread life
Cons
- High-speed performance and handling isn’t the best
Conclusion
As stated at the start of this article, Toyota Sienna attracts a multi-faceted crowd with its plethora of features that ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience. Provided you want to take full advantage of such characteristics, the only thing you need is a set of dedicated tires. Get their selection right, and you and your loved ones would reap huge rewards.