Why the Sienna is the only hybrid minivan in its class
Toyota redesigned the Sienna in 2021 around a hybrid-only powertrain — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors and an electronically controlled CVT for 245 horsepower combined. The Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Carnival all stick with V6 or four-cylinder gas engines (the Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid but starts at a higher price), which makes the Sienna's 36-mpg-combined EPA rating roughly double what its competitors achieve in mixed driving. The hybrid system also delivers brisk low-speed acceleration thanks to the instant-on torque of the electric motors — useful for merging into highway traffic with seven passengers and a full cargo load.
