2022 Toyota Sienna Owners Manual - Before driving

Before driving

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving:

Starting the engine

Driving

1. With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

Stopping

1. With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
2. If necessary, set the parking brake.

   If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift lever to P or N.

Parking the vehicle

1. With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Shift the shift lever to P.
4. Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position and stop the engine.

   Vehicles with a smart key system: Press the engine switch to stop the engine.

5. Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.

   If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.

Starting off on a steep uphill

1. Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to D.
2. Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
3. Release the parking brake.

When starting off on a uphill (vehicles with a hill-start assist control system)

The hill-start assist control is available.

Driving in the rain

• Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
• Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially slippery.
• Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

Engine speed while driving

In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driving.

This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implementation to meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.

• The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill
• When the accelerator pedal is released

Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:

• For the first 200 miles (300 km): Avoid sudden stops.
• For the first 500 miles (800 km): Do not tow a trailer.
• For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

Drum-in-disc type parking brake system

Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your Toyota dealer perform the bedding down operation.

Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the correct fuel.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo capacity and load:

Capacity and distribution

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.

   For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5150) = 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1. Cargo capacity
2. Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as follows: B*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)

*1: A = Weight of people *2: B = Total load capacity *3: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows: C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb. (kg)

*4: D = Additional weight of people *5: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

Roof luggage carrier (if equipped)

Roof luggage carrier components

1. Roof rails
2. Cross rails

Adjusting the position of cross rails

1. Turn the knobs counterclockwise to release the cross rails.

2. Slide the cross rails to the appropriate position for loading luggage and turn the knobs clockwise to tighten the cross rails securely.

Seating configuration variation

1. Cargo capacity
2. Weight of the removed second seat

If removing the second seats, it is possible to load extra cargo equal to the weight of the removed seats.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants) + (Weight of the removed second seats) Second seats weight:

• 7-passenger models

Tip-up seat, fabric: 47.2 lb. (20.5 kg) Tip-up seat, leather: 49.5 lb. (21.5 kg) Ottoman seat: 74.1 lb. (32.2 kg)

• 8-passenger models

Right side, fabric: 47.2 lb. (20.5 kg) Right side, leather: 49.5 lb. (21.5 kg) Left side, fabric: 97.1 lb. (42.2 kg) Left side, leather: 100.3 lb. (43.6 kg)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) and cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and luggage.

Seating capacity Without second center seat: 7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 5) With second center seat: 8 occupants (Front 2, Rear 6)

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating):

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the number of occupants.

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

Trailer towing (with towing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption.

For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. You must also ensure that you are using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equipment has been installed correctly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with your trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.

Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

Towing related terms

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combination weight. The gross combination weight is the sum of the total vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the weight of the trailer being towed (including the cargo in the trailer).

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight. The gross vehicle weight is the total weight of the vehicle. When towing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross axle weight. The gross axle weight is the load placed on each axle (front and rear).

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer weight. The gross trailer weight is the sum of the trailer weight and the weight of the cargo in the trailer.

TWR is calculated assuming base vehicle with one driver, one front passenger, towing package, hitch and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.

If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a trailer without a trailer service brake system.

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

Weight limits

• The gross trailer weight must never exceed 3500 lb. (1588 kg).*
• The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR described below.

   

  2WD models: 8900 lb. (4037 kg)* AWD models: 8990 lb. (4078 kg)*

• The gross vehicle weight must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the Certification Label.
• The gross axle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR indicated on the Certification Label.
• If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service brakes are required.
• If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lbs. (907 kg), a sway control device with sufficient capacity is required.

*: The towing package is required.

Toyota does not recommend towing with this vehicle without the towing package.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits.

GCWR*

2WD models: 8900 lb. (4037 kg) AWD models: 8990 lb. (4078 kg)

TWR*

3500 lb. (1588 kg)

Unbraked TWR*

1000 lb. (454 kg)

*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.

The towing package is required.

Toyota does not recommend towing with this vehicle without the towing package.

Trailer Tongue Weight

• A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers or towing as described below.
• To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.

• Tongue Weight

The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue weight is 9% to 11%.

(Tongue weight / Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

1. Gross trailer weight
2. Tongue weight

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota recommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, contact your Toyota dealer.

• If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
• Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your vehicle.
• Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
• Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.

Selecting trailer ball

Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

1. Trailer ball load rating Matches or exceeds the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer.
2. Ball diameter
   Matches the size of the trailer coupler.

   Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.

3. Shank length
   Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads.
4. Shank diameter
   Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.

Positions for towing hitch receiver

1. Hitch receiver pin hole position: 37.3 in. (949.8 mm)

Connecting trailer lights

Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.

Trailer towing tips

Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:

• Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not exceed the posted towing speed limit.
• Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Instability of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.
• Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicletrailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
• Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination.
• Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.

  Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.

• As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-tovehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
• Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jackknifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
• Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making a turn.
• Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a wider than normal turning radius.
• Slow down before making a turn, in crosswinds, on wet or slippery surfaces, etc.

  Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

• Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
• To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in D. If in the S mode, transmission shift range position must be in 4 or lower.
• Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.
• Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
• Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up a long or steep grade. If the Engine coolant temperature gauge overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
• Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following:

1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into P and turn off the engine.

• When restarting after parking on a slope:

1. With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a safe trailer hookup, the trailer ball setup on must be proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

1. Coupler
2. Trailer ball

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are met:

• Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
• Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
• All trailer lights work as required by law.
• All lights work each time you connect them.
• The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
• The trailer is level when it is hitched.

  Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

• The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
• The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).

After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.

Maintenance

• If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
• Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

• If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.

  Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed.

  Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

  If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer should stabilize.

• After the trailer swaying has stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.

  Make sure the load has not shifted.

  Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

  Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.

Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.