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- The fuel efficiency is insane. I was getting 32.7 MPG without even trying, and up to 36 MPG with the hybrid, which is wild for a minivan this size. For a 7–8 passenger vehicle, that kind of mileage is a huge win.
- The front row just works. I love the separate climate controls, the clean 12.3-inch screen, wireless CarPlay, wireless charging, and the fact that there are cup holders everywhere. It’s set up for real, busy life.
- So. Much. Storage. The center console is wide and deep, the under-console storage is perfect for bags or snacks, and everything feels functional without feeling cluttered.
- It’s quiet and comfortable to drive. Even on the highway, this van feels calm and relaxing. Around town it feels zippy, and overall it’s just an easy, pleasant vehicle to live with.
- The second row is really well equipped. Ceiling vents, sunshades, cup holders, USB-C ports, and rear climate controls are all exactly where you want them. I also love that the rear entertainment screen is on the ceiling instead of the headrests, which is way more car-seat-friendly.
- Car seat hardware is solid. You get lower anchors in both second-row captain’s chairs, lower anchors in the third-row outboard seats, and tether anchors across all three third-row seating positions, which is a big improvement over older Siennas.
- Third-row access is doable with car seats installed. The second-row seats slide far forward and have a lever that folds and moves the seat out of the way, though it’s not as accessible as car-seat-friendly tilt and it can be a tight squeeze to the third row.
- The trunk is exactly what you want in a minivan. It’s deep, wide, and easy to use, and the third row stows right into the floor. With those seats down, you’ve got massive cargo space for real life.
The Exterior
From the outside, the Sienna isn’t my favorite design. It definitely looks like a minivan, and the lower ground clearance took some getting used to since I’m usually in SUVs. That said, once you factor in the hybrid efficiency and all-wheel drive, the look becomes a tradeoff I’m willing to make. It may not be the prettiest van in the lineup, but it’s incredibly practical for everyday life.
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First Row
The first row of the Sienna is really well done and feels very intentional. I love that the climate controls are separate and easy to use, and the 12.3-inch screen is clean, responsive, and not overwhelming. There are cup holders everywhere, which matters more than people think when you’re juggling coffee, water bottles, and kids. Between the wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging pad, and all the USB-C ports, staying charged is never an issue. Add in the wide center console and under-console storage, and it just works !
Second Row
- Super comfortable and well equipped, with ceiling vents, sunshades, cup holders, USB-C ports, and rear climate controls that make it just as pleasant back here as the front row.
- Strong car seat hardware: both second-row captain’s chairs have lower anchors and tether anchors, which gives you solid, flexible install options.
- Third-row access is possible with car seats installed because the seats slide far forward and fold out of the way, but it’s not a car-seat-friendly tilt and is a tight squeeze to the third row.
- I do like that the seat belt is attached to the seat, which means a forward-facing car seat can move with the seat and still allow access when needed.
- Overall, it’s comfortable and practical, but not the most versatile second row if you’re constantly juggling car seats and third-row access.
Third Row
The third row in the Sienna is surprisingly comfortable, even for adults, with solid legroom and a calm, quiet ride. I love that there are ceiling vents, cup holders, and USB ports back there!
From a car seat perspective, you do get tether anchors across all third-row seating positions and lower anchors on the outboard seats, which is a big improvement over older models.
That said, the shape of the outboard seats can make certain car seats tricky due to overhang, so it’s one of those rows where fit really matters.
Trunk
The Sienna also adds helpful new convenience features like an available built-in vacuum and fridge, making everyday cleanups and keeping drinks or snacks cool way easier on the go.
Safety
The 2026 Sienna performs well in crash testing, earning a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration though it was not awarded a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS like it did in previous years.
Seat belt pretensioners are included for the driver and front passenger, as well as the second-row outboard seating positions. Pretensioners remove slack from the seat belt in the nanoseconds before a crash, improving restraint effectiveness in frontal and near-frontal impacts.
ADAS - Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
The 2026 Sienna comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard across all trims, which is especially helpful in a vehicle this large.
You also get a multi-angle rearview camera, with available upgrades including a surround-view monitor on higher trims.
Higher trims add features like parking sensors and enhanced driver assistance systems for highway driving support.
The 2026 Toyota Sienna is a hybrid-only minivan that can fit families of 7 or 8, but not without some car seat challenges. There is a lot of flexibility with placement of lower anchors and tether anchors, but the small center seat and third row seat cut-outs are limiting. The third row is not three-across-friendly for three harnessed car seats.
There are also very specific rules about the seatback recline angle when installing car seats. Refer to your owners manual for guidance and note that the second and third row are different.
LATCH
In the second row, there is a full set of LATCH (lower anchors and tether anchor) in every seating position.
The third row includes a full set of LATCH in the outboard positions. But then the center seat has a tether anchor and only one lower anchor.
That single lower anchor for 3C is designed to pair with a single lower anchor from 3D which makes one standard-spaced (11”) lower anchor set. However, if you use LATCH in 3C that renders 3D unusable for any occupant due to belt overlap.
The lower anchors are accessible and not deeply buried in the seat bight, which makes installation easier even for frequent seat swaps or baseless installs.
Belt Buckles
The seat belt buckles in the second row are upright and accessible. They can flex on their hinges up and down depending on your car seat installation. The second row center seat’s buckle is partially overlapped with the lower anchors, limiting booster use with LATCH - though booster use is dramatically limited regardless due to the narrow seating width.
In the third row, the buckles are rigid and recessed in 3D and 3C. They may be harder to access when car seats or boosters are installed which can impact independent buckling for older kids. 3P’s buckle is able to flex up and down like the second row buckles.
Seat Shape
The Sienna’s second row center seat is extremely narrow and more shallow than the outboard seats. While three across is possible with the right seats, it’s not easy.
The third row outboard seats are contoured so the front outside edges of the seats have less depth than the inside edges do. This contributes to overhang for almost all car seats and boosters. Verify if your seat has overhang or not. If it does, make sure it’s permitted in your car seat’s manual.
The third row center seat is a normal depth but is narrow so car seat selection is limited here as well.
Head Restraints
The head restraints are adjustable and removable in the second row. The third row outboard head restraints are not removable or adjustable. They are flush and do not protrude forward, so they don’t end up causing a gap for many car seats.
Forward-facing car seats and boosters may achieve a more flush installation when head restraints are adjusted or removed (if permitted by the vehicle manual). Most booster seats do not allow a gap caused by head restraints, so positioning should be checked carefully for each seating location.
Three Across Considerations
For a minivan, three across is particularly challenging. If three across with sliding doors is your goal, I’d look elsewhere. If you already own the Sienna, there are combinations to make it work!
In most cases, seats will need to be 17–18 inches wide or less, but successful combinations depend more on seat shape than width alone.
The center seat is best suited for infant seats or narrow convertibles with compact bases.
Good options include:
Britax Poplar (has side overhang, but the “runners” or feet underneath the base, make contact with the vehicle seat)
Graco SlimFit3 LX (True3Fit)
Chicco Fit3X
Evenflo All4Stages Slim Plus Canopy
For a booster option, the Peg Viaggio Flex 120 fits snugly here too (as does booster mode of the all-in-one car seats listed above.)
For the third row, three of the ultra narrow Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 car seats did not install without significant overhang in 3D. If you need to fit three children in the back, the Ride Safer Travel Vest may be the only option for some set-ups. A narrow backless booster seat like the Cosco Rise gives more flexibility than a harnessed car seat.
If you’re attempting a three-across setup, it’s often easiest to install the center seat first, followed by the outboard seats. Always verify each seat is independently tight (moves less than 1” at the belt path even when adjacent seats are removed).
Rear-Facing and Legroom
The Sienna offers excellent rear passenger space, especially in the second row. The second row sits on tracks that can move all the way forward or back, right up against the third row. If you don’t have third row passengers and need the space, you have it! If you plan to have both second and third row passengers, there is ample legroom to still fit a compact rear-facing seat in the third row and a bulkier, rotating seat in the second row.
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