Driven briefly, the Sienna is a pleasant enough people mover. The hybrid powertrain is quick enough and impressively economical but is very noisy when accelerating with any vigour, with the transitions from hybrid to gas-power modes quite loud. While light, the steering is quick and accurate and handling is predictable, especially considering the absorbent ride. Road noise could be better suppressed but wind noise is hardly noticeable. The Sienna cruises quietly lacks refinement at most other times.

Like the new Venza, the Sienna is built on the Toyota’s TNGA-K platform. Sadly, Toyota’s punchy 3.5L V6 is no longer available. Given the chronic shortage of hybrid powertrains on the RAV4, it is surprising that Toyota has chosen hybrid power exclusively for the latest version of its minivan. Though the new Venza has migrated to a Lithium-Ion battery pack, Toyota has retained its proven Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack for the Sienna. The 2.5L gasoline four and electric motors combine to produce 245 total system horsepower. Power reaches the front wheels via a CVT automatic; on all-wheel drive models, power is delivered to the rear wheels by electric motors. Properly equipped, the new Sienna can tow up to 1590 kilograms (3500 lbs.).

Toyota’s comprehensive Safety-Sense 2.0 collision avoidance system is standard. Automatic braking while in reverse is included on premium trims. The minivan is equipped with middle-row side airbags, a driver’s side knee airbag and an airbag embedded in the front passenger seat-cushion.

The Sienna is fronted by a slim grille that sits above a massive air intake. The side profile has more character than the outgoing model, with prominent blisters surrounding the rear wheels, like Toyota’s Highlander. Dimensions are essentially unchanged from the last Sienna.

The driver faces clearly-marked analogue gauges. A large free-standing infotainment screen resides at the top centre of the dashboard under which there are straightforward climate controls. Minivan owners appreciate a sense of openness, so it is odd to see Toyota crowd the once-clear space with a wide, high-mounted centre console that would be more appropriate to a sports car. The rest of the cabin design is sober and traditional, and the interior fittings look more upscale than the last-generation Sienna.

The Sienna LE and XLE seat eight, whereas premium trims accept seven occupants. Range-topping models are available with second-row footrests that deploy from the seat cushions, like a living-room reclining chair. The new Sienna will offer seven USB ports and up to 18 cupholders. Available equipment includes a digital rearview mirror, a 1080p rear entertainment unit, an on-board vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator. Towing capacity is 1585 kilograms (3494 lbs.). With nearly 12,000 units sold last year, the Sienna is the category killer.

Confusing lineup of Luxury (L) and Sport (S) lines with some models overlapping. FWD and RWD drivetrains are available. Offering the Sienna exclusively in hybrid form when Toyota is critically short of hybrid powertrains has proven to be a mistake as the van is, with a two year delivery window, in a practical sense, no longer available.

The base model, the LE 8-passenger front-wheel drive, with alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, power sliding side doors and power tailgate and blind spot and rear cross traffic sensors, is well equipped. Moving up to the XLE trim includes an upgraded 8-speaker audio system, a sunroof, kick sensor operation for the side doors and tailgate, a 4-way front passenger seat, touch sensitive entry and a 4-zone climate system, is priced to reflect the value of the content. Compared with the LE AWD, the 7-passenger Limited includes a memory system, cordless cellphone charging, rear entertainment system, heated rear seat, leather seating, JBL-branded audio system, navigation and second row “Ottoman” seats, is priced more than twice the value of its additional equipment. There is real no overlap between the Luxury and Sport themes of Sienna. With navigation, sunroof, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, among other things, the FWD XSE model is comprehensively equipped. The XSE Tech, with a JBL-branded audio system, wireless cellphone charging, fog lights, a rear-entertainment system and a wide angle rear camera, is overpriced. All-wheel drive costs $2000 on an XSE trim. Compared with the AWD XSE, the 25th Anniversary Edition adds leather seating, a JBL-Branded audio system, ventilated front seats, a memory system, Ottoman styles second-row seating, power adjustable steering wheel, fog lights, a wide angle rearview camera and a number of minor features and is good value.

Above average reliability with few issues reported if the van is serviced according to the recommendations of its maker. Power sliding doors are now more durable on the Sienna than on other minivans equipped with this feature.