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Express Yourself

Getting a new car can be exciting! We purchased a Toyota Sienna 2022 AWD XLE minivan a few months ago, and one of the first things we did was to find accessories and modifications to make driving more enjoyable and convenient. We received so many questions and requests for recommendations, we started compiling our list of favorites. Hope you find some treasures here for your Sienna!

Customizing your car to fit your needs, styles, and personalities can be fun, convenient, and rewarding.

Left: 17" Tire. Right: 18" Tire with 2" JOR Lift

Left: 17″ Tire. Right: 18″ Tire with 2″ JOR Lift

Looking for more information about the minivan? See our article about the Toyota Sienna 2021-2023 (4th Generation).

Add-Ons, Accessories

Here are some of our favorite accessories for the Sienna 2022. Most work with any trim.

Interior

  • Floor Mats (US OEM ones do not cover the sides of the 2nd row, but the Canadian OEM version does)
  • Car Port Splitter (to add additional cigarette lighter sockets to bottom center console)
    • Get one with Voltage display to keep an eye on the rear battery’s power level: it should be 13.7 – 14.7V while engine is running (with nothing running off the splitter), 12.6V while off. When I have one or more phones connected, voltage drops to about 12.6 – 13V while driving.
    • My favorites: Joyroom / Lisen

Tip: The rear battery’s power level can be determined with the car first turned off, then use a Digital Multimeter set to DC Volts mode. Reading should be 12.6V when full / 12.4V @ 75% / 12V @ 25% / 11.9V when empty.

  • Ceiling Cargo Net (for 3 Handles), such as Kaskawise. Obstructs Rear Entertainment System (RES) from opening/closing, but can easily be done still
  • Kintop Center Console Protective Film / Koomtoom Mini Cup Holder Garbage Can
  • Depvko Car Charger Socket (install to rear-right trunk directly from the battery terminals)
    • I love the built-in Voltage display because it helps keep an eye out on the rear battery’s power level
    • Turn car off first then look at the display (or use a Digital Multimeter set to DC Volts). Reading should be 12.6V when full / 12.4V @ 75% / 12V @ 25% / 11.9V when empty
  • Front Display Console
    • Wireless: Apple CarPlay (Teeran) / Android Auto (Motorola MA1)
      • My favorite Combo: CarPlay + Android Auto (Amihusel: Product 1, 2)
        • Worked flawlessly with Android Auto, but CarPlay later had issue with volume control. Fixed it by connecting to its WiFi (“SmartAdapter” SSID. Password: “88888888”), browsing to http://192.168.1.101, and either performing a Factory Reset or doing a firmware version update by pushing the “Update” button on the website (took 3 mins or so). Leave the phone alone until adapter’s upgrade is completed! (Instructions on the last 2 pages of the manual)
    • Media Streaming + Wireless CarPlay/Auto: CarlinKit Ai / Binize
      • Allows YouTube, Netflix streaming. Warning: Playing a video while driving is dangerous and also illegal in most or all States! Be safe!
      • Adds both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Rear Entertainment System (RES)
  • Sunshades: YelloPro (Insulated) / Kinder Fluff (XL)
    • Insulated ones retain heat better (in cold weather) and also keep the heat out (in hot days)
  • Interior Lights: Auxito US24HT10W10 (1st row doors, 2nd row, cargo, license plate)
    • Some owners reported key fob interference with certain brands after replacing their 3rd row’s light
  • Interior Tailgate Lights: PowertyGuangzhou Jiuyi
    • Tip: Careful with routing the cable through the rubber grommet seal. Have it go through the circular one on the RIGHT, not the rectangular block on the LEFT (you could easily break the grommet clips). Fish the wire through the right side of the tailgate door with a clothing hanger as shown below. See manufacturer-provided installation video.

Car Seats: Cars.com has an article on how the car seats can be configured in the 4th generation Sienna, including whether three child seats would fit.

Exterior

  • Magnetic Sunroof Shade Cover: Zatoo / Other brands
    • Allows moonroof to be left open without bugs coming in
  • Qsrun Window Vent Deflectors (keeps wind noise down and allows windows to be cracked open without rain entering)
  • Snailfly Crossbars: OEM-like / Low-profile (may scratch roof, depending on what you mount)
  • Roof Cargo Box: Yakima SkyBoxThule. It’s AMAZING how much can fit when packed right!
    • I have the SkyBox 16. This requires a minimum height clearance of 87″ (7’3″) or 89″ (7’5″) with the JOR 2″ lift kit installed. This is important to know as some parking structures or drive-throughs will be too low to pass under
  • Torklift Ecohitch 2″ Class 3 Hidden Trailer Hitch (Amazon / Torklift) (provides better ground clearance) – See DIY install instructions (kick sensor still works and install took me 3-4 hours), video, official guide
  • Running Board (Brand unknown, but sold by Yixi-Auto. Sometimes, Amazon has some)
    • Here’s an installation video for a similar board. With the right tools, install was painless
      • Side door kick sensors no longer work. Registers foot, beeps twice, and does nothing
      • Bottom moulding now has more foot traffic. Applied 3M Clear Vinyl Tape for protection
    • With the JOR 2″ Lift, the board still cleared every sidewalk I had come across
    • Easier for kids and elderlies to get in/out of car. Allows dirt to be wiped off shoes before entering
    • Didn’t like the look at first, but got used to it. Wife occasionally still bangs her shin on it
  • Journeys Offroad Lift Kit (we chose 2″ lift) – Installed by Adventure Offroad for $1,000 labor (includes alignment). My friend had his done at Primo Motorsports for $1,040 (includes alignment & Firestone Airbag)
    • Update 3/3/24: My brother and I both have had alignment (severe tire wear), squeaking, and possible sway bar link issues. At this time, I cannot recommend Adventure Offroad Tustin for installation any more
      • JOR once had them on their website’s Installers list, but had them removed a while ago for reasons they do not recall
    • Read the “Lift Kit” section below for more details. Also addressed there: squeaking or clunking noise after install
    • Replacement sway (stabilizer) bar links: MOOG K90344 made for Toyota Highlander. The stock Sienna links will no longer work due to the increased lift
      • I am not an expert, but according to my calculations, the 2″ lift makes the Sienna closer in ground clearance to the RAV4. Whether the Highlander’s sway bar is correct, I am not sure
  • Lanyun Tri-color Grille Badge/Emblem

Other Add-Ons

Camping/Van Life/Road Trips

Here are the items we bought/bring along for camping and road trips.

Spare Tire Transportation

For when you travel, I have seen individuals transport their spare tire in a Yakima or Thule rooftop cargo carrier (such as the Yakima SkyBox 16), roof basket, a hitch rack with spare tire mount, or just inside the trunk. In fact, I did the latter for a nine-day road trip across the Grand Circle Tour covering six States. I simply had a bungee cord run through it and the full-sized tire sit on top of a heavy duty milk crate to maximize usable space. Not an elegant, but a nearly free solution that worked perfectly for the entire trip.

Full-size spare tire stored in trunk

Full-size spare tire stored in trunk

Later on, I installed the Torklift Ecohitch 2″ Class 3 Hidden Trailer Hitch (Amazon / Torklift) for better ground clearance (took 3-4 hours: DIY install instructions with working kick sensor, video, official guide) paired with Yakima BackSwing Hitch Rack Extension (2″). I plan on getting the Curt 31006 24″ Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount (2″).

Lift Kit

Journeys Off Road (JOR) has Lift Kits available (2″ and 3″ ) for the 4th generation Sienna. They work with both FWD and AWD models. Many had said that there is little or no impact to the car’s safety or performance. Kendall Toyota of Bend featured it and its installed cost ranged between $1,200 – $3,200 (alignment included). Some owners had claimed success with bigger tires after installing that lift kit. All of that makes any of the Sienna 2021-2023 attractive for the trail, though its larger wheelbase should still prompt drivers to go over terrains with a breath of caution.

Trail Riding: Generally, the shorter the wheelbase, higher suspension (via lift kit), and bigger tires, the more off-road worthy the vehicle becomes.

Based on my research and under the advice of many Overlanding enthusiasts, it is better to go with a shorter lift kit and raise the rest with larger tires. Shorter lifts put less wear and tear onto the car’s components. As such, we had our own Sienna XLE AWD 2022 with 18″ tires lifted by Adventure Offroad with JOR’s 2″ Kit. My friend had his done at Primo Motorsports (with Firestone Airbag added.)

  • Update 3/3/24: My brother and I both have had alignment (severe tire wear), squeaking, and possible sway bar link issues. At this time, I cannot recommend Adventure Offroad Tustin for installation any more
    • JOR once had them on their website’s Installers list, but had them removed a while ago for reasons they do not recall

Note that the included sway bar links, according to JOR’s Mike, are not the Sienna stock ones, but the Highlander’s due to the increased lift. Specifically, he provided the MOOG K90344 stabilizer bar links for future replacements. I am not an expert, but according to my calculations, the 2″ lift makes the Sienna closer in ground clearance to the RAV4. Whether the Highlander’s sway bar is correct, I am not sure.

Ground Clearance Comparisons

Here is a list of various vehicles’ ground clearances to give you an idea of where the 4th generation Sienna (2021-2023) sits and what lifting it would be equivalent to.

How High Are 2″ or 3″ Lifts?
With a 2″ lift, the non-Woodland Sienna @ 6.37″ would have the same ground clearance as the Toyota RAV4 2022 @ 8.4″ and be nearly the same as the Subaru Outback 2022 (non-Wilderness Edition) @ 8.7″. A 3″ raise would be equivalent to the Toyota Tacoma 2022 TRD @ 9.4″ and be closer to the Toyota 4Runner 2022 @ 9.6″.

  • 4.5″ Honda Odyssey 2022
  • 5.1″ Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 2022
  • 5.5″ Honda Accord 2022 Touring / 6.7″ Accord 2022 EX-L
  • 6.37″ Toyota Sienna 2022
  • 6.96″ Toyota Sienna 2022 Woodland Edition
  • 7.9″ Ford Explorer 2022
  • 8.0″ Toyota Highlander 2022 / 8.1″ Highlander 2008
  • 8.4″ Toyota RAV4 2022
  • 8.7″ Subaru Outback 2022 / 9.5″ Outback 2022 Wilderness Edition
  • 9.4″ Toyota Tacoma 2022 TRD
  • 9.6″ Toyota 4Runner 2022
  • 10″ Toyota Sequoia 2022

Squeaking or Clunking After Lift Install?

A month after my JOR 2″ was installed, I started hearing squeaky noises from the front driver side. My brother complained about clunking sounds after his installation. It was especially noticeable on hard braking or going over speed bumps, and mostly occurred during cooler times like mornings and evenings. The installer blamed it on a cracked sway bar link (which was not true — Toyota dealer inspected them and found no cracks).

Journeys Offroad (JOR) 2" Lift Kit: Bolt too long

Journeys Offroad (JOR) 2″ Lift Kit: Bolt too long

After I called JOR myself, Journeys’ Mike knew right away that I had a 4th generation Sienna. He explained that one of the bolts was too long. The initial kits, due to COVID-supply chain issues, did not have the length he wanted but all newer units came with shorter ones. (Incidentally, my brother bought his a few months after that call and still got the long one.)

The solution proposed by JOR’s Mike was to cut and file down a specific bolt as pointed out in my YouTube video. The clip also showed how I was able to reproduce the squeaking by raising the metal cover underneath the windshield cowl. That simulated the long bolt rubbing against the metal cover. Indeed, cutting the bolt fixed both my brother’s and my sound issues.

Note: Clunking could also be caused by the sway bar link not being affixed properly.

Tires

Tire Sizes

There are three tire sizes available for the Sienna 2022. The Woodland Edition (XLE) comes standard with the 18″.

Toyota Sienna 2022 18" Tire Size /TireSize

Toyota Sienna 2022 18″ Tire Size /TireSize

Tire Size Coding: What does P235/60R18 102V mean for the Sienna’s 18″ wheel?

P = Vehicle Type / 235 = Width (mm). 235mm = 9.25″ / 60 = Aspect Ratio (mm). 235mm * 0.6 = 141mm or 5.6″ / R = Construction / 18 = Diameter (inches). 18″ = 457.2mm / 102 = Load Index / V = Speed Rating. V = 149mph max

Total Diameter = 457.2mm (18″) + 141mm + 141mm = 739.2mm

  • 17″ P235/65R17 103T
    • Total Diameter = 737.3mm. Maximum speed: T = 118mph
    • Spare Tires – Modern Spare: Compact Kit (T155/85R18) or SpareTire: EZ Spare 175/70R20. TireSize stated compatibility: 165/90R17
  • 18″ P235/60R18 102V
    • Total Diameter = 739.2mm. Maximum speed: V = 149mph
    • Spare Tires – Modern Spare: Compact Kit (T155/85R18) or SpareTire: EZ Spare 175/70R20. TireSize stated compatibility: 155/85R18, 155/90R18, 165/90R18
  • 20″ P235/50R20 100V
    • Total Diameter = 743mm. Maximum speed: V = 149mph
    • Spare Tires – Modern Spare: Compact Kit (T155/85R18) or SpareTire: EZ Spare 175/70R20

Siennas that came equipped with Toyota’s own spare tire are T155/80R17 111M (M = 81mph max, though you should drive donut spares no faster than 50mph). Caution: If your Sienna has no spare tire and you used the Tire Repair Kit to seal the leak, be sure to drive no faster than 50mph (80km/h) and 62 miles (100km). Then when you have the tire looked at, inform the shop that sealant was used. See the Toyota Sienna 2022 Owner’s Manual.

König Tire Chain XG-12 Pro 247

König Tire Chain XG-12 Pro 247

My Sienna XLE AWD did not come with a spare tire kit nor did I want to have one. The reason: the factory one is a donut spare (smaller than the full-sized tires) — they are not rated for distances longer than 50 miles nor speeds in excess of 50 mph. If I found myself off-roading or on uneven terrain, the small tire might leave me stranded without the ability to clear height or distance. I opted for buying a 5th full-size as my spare for trips where cell phone signal might not be available.

TireSize’s Calculator shows the alternatives for the 18″ P235/60R18 tire in sizes 17″ and 20″ are exactly as shown above: P235/65R17 and P235/50R20, respectively. Note: Be sure to get the correct tire sizes — not doing so can throw off the speedometer reading and have you unknowingly drive faster or slower than you thought. Also see Alloy Wheel Fitment Guide and WillTheyFit.

The König XG-12 Pro 247 Tire Chains fit the stock tires: 17″ P235/65R17 and 18″ P235/60R18.

Tire Mixing, Age, Directional Arrow

CrossClimate 2 Tire /Michelin

CrossClimate 2 Tire /Michelin

  • Mixing of Tires
    • All tires have different designs with varied characteristics. All four should be the same size, model, and speed rating. A mismatch could result in unexpected results and performance that could lead to injury or death
  • Age
    • The age is printed on the tire’s sidewall (should be on the outer side for easier inspection) as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The older it is, the higher the risk of the rubber compounds to deteriorate to dangerous levels. Generally, a tire’s lifetime is up to 10 years. Look for the DOT label to find a 4-digit code. The first two in modern tires refer to the week of the year, and the last two the year it was manufactured in. For example, “1220” is the 12th week of 2020. (See TireBuyer)
      • Directional Tires: Although the DOT date code should be facing externally for easier manufacture date identification, Directional tires will have one set be inward whereas the other be outward
    • Warranty: TireRack recommends you hang on to your receipt to get the maximum coverage length regardless of manufacture date
  • Directional Rotation Arrow
    • Some tires have an arrow printed onto the sidewall and may include the word, “Rotation”. It MUST always point towards the front to ensure safety and performance. I once caught a technician install the highly-rated Michelin CrossClimate 2 (235/60R18 107V) tire onto my Sienna with the arrow pointing backwards. This could have increased wear and tear, reduced performance, and increased the risk of accidents

Tire Storage

According to GarageTransformed, standalone tires should be stored upright, those installed onto rims/wheels should be stacked flat on top of each other, and out of direct sunlight. You could also pair it with a tire bag for extra protection.

Car Jack Recommendation

Torin Big Red 4-Ton Bottle Jack with 2" JOR Lift

Torin Big Red 4-Ton Bottle Jack with 2″ JOR Lift

After having the Sienna lifted, my XLE AWD was now 8.37″ (6.37″ + 2″ lift) off the ground — similar to the RAV4 2022. That led me to a search for what tire jack to get. Forums recommended either a scissor or bottle jack. There are pros and cons to both, but also important to consider is the car’s weight: 4,625 – 4,725 lbs (1, 2) — get one that is 2 or 3 tons (4,000 or 6,000 lbs, respectively). Minimum clearance height might also be a factor in a flat-tire scenario on uneven grounds. So, if you get a bottle jack, be sure to keep that in mind. For example, the Torin Big Red 2-ton Bottle Jack requires 6.88″ clearance, Torin 4-ton version needs 7.5″, and the Amvia 2-ton Scissor Jack specifies 4.13″ minimum.

Each person’s situation and needs are unique, and so there are additional resources I will leave you with to research: Car Jack Type and Car Jack & Jack Stands Guide. Both are articles published by NAPA — the National Automotive Parts Association.

Torin Big Red 4-Ton Bottle Jack (Extended Neck + Block) with 2" JOR Lift

Torin Big Red 4-Ton Bottle Jack (Extended Neck + Block) with 2″ JOR Lift

For my 2″-lifted Sienna, I am using the Torin Big Red 4-Ton bottle jack with its neck extended. A wooden block is also kept in the car for when it needs to be jacked up a few more inches higher, as shown above.

Maintenance Schedule

Here is Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule.

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