Test Drive: 2026 Toyota Sienna
While crossovers and SUVs have become the default choice for both consumers and fleets, it's easy to overlook what the modern minivan still brings to the table. The 2026 Toyota Sienna is a compelling reminder that this segment remains as relevant as ever.
With seating for up to eight passengers, a flexible interior that offers generous cargo space, a towing capacity of 1,585 kg (3,494 lbs.), and available all-wheel drive, the Sienna delivers a well-rounded blend of practicality, capability, comfort, and advanced technologies.
Power, performance and efficiency
Toyota has struck an impressive balance between performance and efficiency with the Sienna. Every trim is equipped with the same hybrid powertrain, built around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces a combined 245 horsepower.
The result is smooth acceleration, confident passing power, and a hybrid system that seamlessly blends gasoline and electric power to optimize both performance and fuel economy. Over the course of our weeklong test, the Sienna consistently impressed at the pumps, returning a combined fuel economy of just 6.6 L/100 km—an outstanding result for a three-row minivan.
Impressive AWD performance
The Sienna is available with either FWD or AWD, and although we normally think of AWD as a handy feature to have whenever roads get slippery, especially during the winter season, we inadvertently found another use for AWD during our week with our test vehicle.
When visiting a cottage over the weekend, we were warned in advance by the owners to only attempt the steep gravel road leading to the cottage “if we were driving a 4x4.” They insisted that anything less would not be able to climb the steep incline. However, once we got there, we decided to see if the Sienna was up to the challenge, and spoiler alert, it was!
While other visitors were forced to leave their FWD sedans at the bottom of the steep gravel driveway (after attempting to climb it), and walk the rest of the way to the cottage, the AWD Sienna had no trouble at all. Not even a single slip of the tire. Very impressive!
Rich menu of options and amenities
The 2026 Sienna is available in no less that six different configurations. As you move up the lineup, Toyota adds an increasingly generous selection of comfort, convenience, and premium features, allowing buyers to choose the level of refinement that best suits their needs.
One of the key distinctions between the trim levels is seating configuration. Lower-priced models accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, while higher trims replace the bench with more comfortable second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven.
The trade-off is well worth it for those prioritizing passenger comfort, as the captain's chairs slide fore and aft to provide exceptional legroom. Even with all three rows occupied, the Sienna still offers a generous 949 L (33.5 cu. ft.) of cargo space behind the third row.
Thoughtful storage solutions are found throughout the cabin, providing ample space for everything from smartphones and tablets to water bottles and other travel essentials. Toyota has also made it easy for everyone to stay connected on the road, equipping every Sienna with seven USB charging ports and a wireless charging pad, ensuring passengers in all three rows can keep their devices powered throughout even the longest journeys.
Safety first
Safety has long been a cornerstone of Toyota's design philosophy, and the 2026 Sienna continues that tradition with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies. Every trim comes equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), providing a strong foundation of active safety features.
Buyers seeking additional peace of mind can opt for higher trims or available packages that add features such as a wide-angle backup camera (a standard backup camera is included on all models), a rear camera washer, and a panoramic view monitor for enhanced visibility when manoeuvring in tight spaces.
Creature comforts
Creature comforts abound, and all trims come well equipped with a long list of features and amenities. While an eight-inch multimedia screen and a seven-inch digital gauge clusters are standard on the entry-level LE trim, all other models come with a massive 12.3-inch multimedia screen, and the top trims (XSE and Limited) get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Limited models also have the option of adding a head-up display, which projects key vehicle information directly into the driver's line of sight.
Climate comfort is another area where the Sienna excels. The entry-level LE comes standard with a three-zone automatic climate control system, while every other trim upgrades to a four-zone independent automatic climate control system. This allows occupants in all three rows to tailor the cabin temperature to their individual preferences, and with dedicated HVAC vents for third-row passengers, everyone can stay comfortable, even on long road trips.
In an era when crossovers dominate showroom floors, the 2026 Toyota Sienna makes a convincing case for taking another look at the minivan. It combines exceptional fuel economy, confident all-weather capability, a spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features into one highly versatile package.
Whether it's shuttling a growing family, tackling long road trips, or serving as a capable vehicle for commercial or shuttle applications, the Sienna proves that practicality doesn't have to come at the expense of comfort or efficiency. For buyers willing to look beyond the SUV trend, Toyota's latest Sienna remains one of the smartest and most capable people movers on the market.
Price and Specifications
Year Make Model Trim
2026 Toyota Sienna XSE AWD
Base Price
$56,560
Notable Options
Technology Package: $5,221
Price as Tested (including freight & delivery)
$63,852
Powertrain
2.5 Litre 4-cylinder, Toyota Hybrid System
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
245 hp
Fuel Economy (according to NRCan)
6.8/6.7/6.8 L/100 km (city/hwy/comb)
Fuel Economy (observed)
6.6L/100 km (comb)
