By: Krish Persaud
March 12, 2026
There comes a point where the three-row SUV dream starts to wear thin. Fuel bills creep up, third rows feel like an afterthought, and cargo space disappears the moment the kids climb in.
The Toyota Sienna exists for buyers who have simply stopped pretending a three-row SUV is the better tool for family life.
It skips the rugged image and focuses on the realities of family ownership: efficiency, space, comfort, and ease of use. Recent updates have helped the interior feel more modern, but the real strength of the Sienna has always been how well it handles daily life.
Under the hood sits Toyota’s familiar 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle inline-four, engine code A25A-FXS. It works with two electric motors and an electronically controlled CVT to produce a combined 245 horsepower.
All-wheel drive is handled by a dedicated rear electric motor rather than a traditional driveshaft. Around town the hybrid system feels smooth and predictable, delivering quiet takeoffs and easy low-speed torque.
Push the van hard and the eCVT reminds you what it is, but in normal driving the powertrain fades into the background. For a family vehicle, that calm behaviour is exactly what most owners want.
The driving experience follows the same philosophy.
Steering is light and predictable, making tight parking lots easy to manage for a vehicle this large. The suspension leans toward comfort, smoothing out rough pavement and expansion joints without much drama.
Quick direction changes remind you of the Sienna’s size, but it never feels sloppy or unsettled. It drives like a vehicle designed to reduce stress, not raise your heart rate.
Fuel economy remains the Sienna’s strongest argument.
We averaged 6.3L/100km during our time with the van, beating NRCan ratings of 6.6L/100km city, 6.5L/100km highway, and 6.6L/100km combined. That result came with passengers and cargo onboard.
On a longer highway drive, the Sienna starts to reveal its personality. The cabin stays quiet, everyone settles in, and the fuel gauge barely seems to move.
Inside, the Platinum trim brings a genuinely upscale feel.
Our tester was finished in Macadamia leather with contrast piping and real wood trim. Heated and ventilated front seats come standard, along with heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel.
Tri-zone climate control and rear-seat sunshades help keep passengers comfortable on longer drives. USB-C ports across all three rows quickly prove useful once multiple devices enter the mix.
Technology has also moved forward.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the old analog gauges and finally brings the dashboard into the modern Toyota lineup. The 9-inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, voice assistant capability, and embedded navigation.
The JBL sound system is strong, the 360-degree camera is sharp with helpful guidelines, and the digital rear-view mirror becomes useful when the cargo area is packed to the roof.
Our tester was a Limited AWD equipped with the Platinum equipment package. This adds features such as a head-up display, Toyota’s FridgeBox centre console cooler, an integrated vacuum, and additional parking assistance systems.
Practicality remains the Sienna’s defining strength.
Cargo space measures 949 litres behind the third row, with a deep storage well that easily handles strollers or grocery runs. Fold the third row and capacity expands to 2,129 litres, with a maximum of 2,860 litres when all rear seating is stowed.
Open the tailgate and the depth of that cargo well becomes obvious. Bags, backpacks, and everyday family gear disappear into it without much planning.
The second-row captain’s chairs slide but do not remove, which may frustrate buyers who occasionally need maximum cargo flexibility. The upside is exceptional legroom when those seats are pushed back, creating a lounge-like second row.
Curb weight is rated at 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds). Towing capacity sits at 1,585 kilograms (3,500 pounds), enough for small trailers or utility duties.
Ground clearance measures 165mm, suitable for rough driveways and winter conditions but not intended for off-road adventures.
If you’re deciding between a three-row SUV and a minivan, the Sienna makes a strong argument for practicality. Families who prioritize space, fuel efficiency, and long-distance comfort will appreciate what it offers. Buyers looking for towing strength, rugged styling, or a more engaging driving experience may still prefer a large SUV.
Pricing for the Sienna starts at $48,420 CAD before fees and taxes. Our tester was a Limited AWD equipped with the Platinum package, bringing the as-tested price to $72,739 before taxes.
That places it firmly in three-row SUV territory, where many buyers will cross-shop based on style rather than practicality.
The Sienna doesn’t try to win that battle.
Instead, it quietly focuses on the things families deal with every day: space, comfort, and fuel efficiency that actually shows up in real driving.
It may not turn heads in the driveway, but that’s not really its job.
After living with it for a few days, you begin to notice something more important.
Life around it just gets easier.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Minivan
Powertrain: Hybrid 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder with dual electric motors
Combined Output: 245 horsepower
Transmission: Electronically Controlled CVT
Drivetrain: Electronic On-Demand AWD
Fuel Economy (NRCan): 6.6L/100km city, 6.5L/100km highway, 6.6L/100km combined
Cargo Capacity: 949–2,860 litres
Towing Capacity: 1,585 kilograms (3,500 pounds)
As-Tested Price: $72,739 CAD before taxes
