2022 Toyota Sienna XLE

The Sienna minivan has been around since 1998. It was last redesigned for 2021, when Toyota made a brilliant move: replacing the Sienna’s V6 with the hybrid drivetrain it uses in the RAV4 and Highlander hybrids. That decreased its power by about 50 hp but increased the fuel efficiency from 20 mpg to 36 mpg. With an abundance of room for up to 8 people and their stuff, the Sienna is a great family vehicle for running errands, taking kids to baseball practice, or going on a weekend camping trip. Its ride and handling are smooth, serene, and unruffled. The second-row captain’s chairs slide forward and back, and interior comfort is aided by tri-zone automatic climate control. For longer trips, the great gas mileage is a definite plus, as is Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 complete set of standard advanced safety features. Gripes? Not many. The Sienna’s engine is underpowered and the drivetrain is noisy, especially when accelerating. The interior fit and finish could use upgrading, as could the infotainment system. Adjusting the seats can be a little awkward, and the rear roof support (C pillar) creates a significant blind spot.