The newest minivan Toyota Sienna is equipped with a hybrid powertrain.

All versions of the Sienna come with the Toyota Hybrid System II, a combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, giving it a total output of 245 hp. and a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg with front-wheel drive or 35 with available all-wheel drive. The Sienna also comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

It’s not a plug-in hybrid, though, which is why Toyota says, “There’s no need to ever recharge the hybrid battery, and certainly no need to spend a couple of thousand dollars installing a charger in the garage. Toyota Hybrid System II automatically charges the hybrid battery while the vehicle is in motion.”

In the fourth generation, the Platinum model was added to the lineup. It comes with a long list of standard features. The Platinum ($51,595 FWD; $52,355 AWD) seats up to seven, just like our XSE model, due to the mid-row double captain’s chairs that replace the standard three-person bench. With a medium bench seat, the Sienna can carry up to eight passengers.

Other trim levels: base eight-passenger LE ($36,135 FWD; $38,1325 AWD); XLE FWD, seven or eight passengers ($41,445); seven-seat XLE AWD ($43,445); seven-seat XLE Woodland Edition AWD ($46,195); XSE AWD seven-passenger ($44,455); seven-passenger Limited FWD ($48,395) and seven-passenger Limited AWD ($50,395).

Standard features across the line include a suite of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 high-tech safety features such as automatic emergency braking; blind spot monitoring; and a tow rating up to 3,500 pounds.

Premium features on the Platinum model include opening and closing sliding side doors and tailgate, four-zone climate control, heated extra-long retractable second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans, a tilt steering column and a telescoping steering column with heated steering wheel. , an optional digital rearview mirror, a 10″ color head-up display, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system with a 9″ touchscreen in the center of the top bezel.

Toyota says the “ultra-sport” XSE model has the best looks, with its dark 20-inch five-spoke wheels and aggressive front and rear bumpers.

The look of the fourth generation doesn’t differ much from the previous generation, which is okay since the previous model looked great. The changes to the Sienna are generally best described as updates and improvements.

Toyota says it is “seeking to redefine [minivan] segment” as the new Sienna is designed to “support a wider range of life stages and activities.” The new Sienna was designed and engineered in the United States and is assembled here.

According to Toyota, the new front end design was “inspired by the iconic Japanese Shinkansen bullet train”, giving it a sleeker look. The headlights are set high and stretched out on the sides, there’s a new, bolder lower grille, and subtle, high-tech LED fog lights in the corners. At the rear, there is a sculpted tailgate with an integrated spoiler.

Inside, there’s a “modern dashboard” with a large central touchscreen display, plenty of storage space, and a “bridge console” that Toyota says “is the key to carving out individual space for the driver and front passenger.”

It connects the instrument panel to the center armrest. This puts the shifter and other controls within easy reach, and there are cup holders, an accessible wireless charger, and storage compartments for small items.

Under the “bridge” is a large open storage space for items such as a wallet or bag.

New (and included in our tester) are the “Super Long Slide” second-row captain’s chairs, which can slide 25 inches from front to back, providing limousine-like legroom for two medium-sized passenger seats.

Toyota Safety Sense system includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection/low light detection, full range dynamic radar cruise control, steering assisted lane departure warning, lane following assist, automatic high beam and assistance with road signs.

There are 10 airbags, including the driver and front passenger; driver’s knee bag; passenger seat cushion bag; side airbags for the front seats; side bags for the rear outboard seats; and side airbags for all three rows.

Also included is the Toyota Star Safety System, which provides enhanced vehicle stability control with traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock braking system, and Smart Stop technology.

The new Sienna also comes with a rear passenger seat belt reminder and an electric parking brake, as well as a rear passenger detection system that alerts the driver to check the rear seat for passengers and cargo when exiting the vehicle.

There are four selectable driving modes including EV, Normal, Eco and Sport. Sequential shifting allows the driver to “shift” the CVT into a lower gear, which increases the effectiveness of regenerative braking.

Among the premium features included in our XSE tester were hands-free sliding side doors and a power tailgate, as well as four-zone automatic climate control.

Our car had the XSE Plus package ($1,000) that added black roof rails, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium audio system with a nine-inch touchscreen, navigation, 12 JBL speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier.

Also included with our XSE model was a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,415); 1500-watt, 120-volt AC inverter ($300) with two outlets; roof rails ($210); and carpeted floor mats ($300).

A power tilt/slide sunroof was standard on our XSE.

Even with our Sienna loaded with four passengers and a lot of cargo, we had plenty of power from the hybrid system with noticeable extra torque when starting from the electric motor.

The tester came in Cement exterior color.

Internally, the XSE came with heated SoftTex seats and adjustable front bucket seats.

The third row includes split-folding seatbacks that make it easy to expand the cargo area if the seat is not needed for passengers.

All four of our passengers, including the driver, had comfortable seats with plenty of knee, shoulder, head and leg room. Overall the ride was easy and never harsh.

All three rows have plenty of storage boxes, trays and cup holders to keep gadgets connected and organized.

The total price for our 2023 Sienna XSE FWD model was $48,215 including freight and options.

G. Chambers Williams III car speakers have been featured regularly in Express News since 2000. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jane Williams contributed to this report.

Minivan Toyota Sienna 2023

Package:

• Five-door, seven- or eight-seat, rear- or all-wheel drive, gasoline-electric hybrid minivan.

Highlights:

Starting with the 2021 model year, the popular Toyota minivan has been completely restyled and received a hybrid drive system. It is packed with safety, infotainment and comfort features, making it the perfect family car for travel.

• Engine/motor: 2.5-liter inline-four; drive motor.
• Transmission: Stepless automatic.
• Power/Torque: 245 horsepower total; gasoline engine only, 189 hp/176 ft.lb.
• Length: 203.7″ except Woodland 204.1″.
• Curb weight range: 4610-4725 lbs.
• Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, anti-lock braking system.
• Electronic Stability Control: Standard.
• Side airbags: on the front seats; side blind for all three rows.
• Cargo capacity: 33.5 cubic feet (behind the third row); 75.2 cubic feet (behind the second row); 101 cubic feet (with second and third rows folded).
• EPA fuel economy: 36 mpg city / 36 highway / 36 combined (2WD); 35/36/35 (all-wheel drive).
• Fuel Capacity/Type: 18 gal/unleaded regular.
• Main competitors: Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona.
• Base price range (2023): $36,135-$50,395 plus $1,335 freight.
• Test price: $48,215 including freight and options (2023 XSE with front-wheel drive).
• Rating on the road: 9.1 (out of 10 possible).