By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
It is inarguably, in our eyes, the best minivan on the road. And with the addition of a standard hybrid version across all trims some years back, Toyota Sienna has transformed into an even more appealing option for families with the little ones.
The 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder gas engine puts out 189 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 176 pounds-feet of torque @ 4400 rpm. Two electric motors boast hp up to 245 hp. A 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery is recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the electronically controlled continuous variable transmission-equipped sedan boasts a regenerative braking system. When the minivan is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes. Instead, it converts the energy into useable electricity for recharging the battery pack.
An independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension does a particularly good job of soaks bumps and potholes with skill and sure-footedness in this all-wheel-drive ride. Also, the steering power steering system makes it a breeze to handle the minivan at higher speeds or while pulling into a parking lot. The Sienna operates in three modes: EV, which is electric at lower speeds of up to 25 mph; eco, an efficient mode where the driver can control the throttle opening; normal; and sport for some feisty driving.
Step inside and the four-zone climate control guarantees that all seven passengers stay cool in summer. So do the second- and third-row sun shades. The second-row captain’s chairs (think Ottomans!) with super-long slide of 25 inches fore/aft for easy ingress and egress to the third row, which can be stowed into the floor. Total passenger volume is an incredible 195.9 cubic feet. New for 2026 is a 12-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer and amplifier. Well-placed bins and cubbies abound in the Sienna, which offers a huge front center console, and 18 cup holders! A 12.3-inch touch display with easily reachable infotainment controls towers over the rest of the dashboard and console. Standard goodies include an 12.3-inch digital display cluster, eight-way driver and four-way front-passenger power heated seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column, moon roof and lift gate, and a conversation mirror.
Dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system come at no cost. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 includes a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure alert with steer assist, road sign and lane trace assists, and dynamic cruise control.
Agreed, the minivan market has shrunk with skyrocketing demand for SUVs in the past several years. However, families with small children would be wise to consider this stylish and bold minivan with its laudable cargo- and passenger-hauling capabilities. And who doesn’t want to save on fuel with fluctuating prices at the pump?
SIENNA (XSE, AWD)
Tires: P235/50R20
Wheelbase: 120.5 inches
Length: 203.7 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 68.5 inches
Weight: 4,675 pounds
Tow capacity: 3,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 36 mpg
Base price: $46,640
Price as tested: $54,570
Web site: www.toyota.com
