HAS TOYOTA PERFECTED THE MINIVAN? 2021 TOYOTA SIENNA XSE REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE marks a significant shift with its all-hybrid powertrain, aiming to perfect the minivan formula. The reviewer praises its striking exterior design, inspired by Japanese bullet trains, and highlights the sporty XSE trim's blacked-out accents and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the "bridge" console and spacious second and third rows offer excellent comfort, with the third row surprisingly accommodating for adults. The hybrid system delivers impressive fuel economy, achieving nearly 35 MPG in real-world testing, and the vehicle handles with surprising agility for its size, feeling more like a sedan. However, the Sienna falls short in practicality compared to rivals. The reviewer laments the lack of a DVD/CD player, the inability to remove or fold the second-row seats flat, and the absence of a panoramic sunroof. While the hybrid system is efficient and the driving dynamics are commendable, these compromises in utility and entertainment features prevent it from being the "perfect" minivan.