The 2021 Toyota Sienna has qualified for the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Redesigned for the 2021 model year, it earns good ratings in both the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests, IIHS said. The previous model earned an acceptable rating in the driver-side small overlap test and a marginal rating in the passenger-side test. The minivan is now available only as a hybrid. 

The 2020 Sienna fell short in the two small overlap tests because the protective structure of the vehicle crumpled into the occupant compartment. 

The standard front crash prevention system on the 2021 model earns superior and advanced ratings in the Institute’s vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests, respectively, IIHS said. The new Sienna avoided collisions at 12 and 25 mph in the vehicle-to-vehicle test and either avoided hitting the pedestrian dummy or slowed to a near stop in most of the vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. 

The 2021 Sienna is available with two types of headlights, LED reflectors or LED projectors, both of which earn a good rating. The Sienna is the second minivan to earn either IIHS award this year, after the 2021 Honda Odyssey.

To qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in those two crashworthiness evaluations, as well as the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also needs advanced or superior ratings for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention and must offer acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trims.