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 but 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.

With alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated, leather wrap steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, L,E.D. headlights, three-zone climate control, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and roof rails, the base front-wheel drive LE eight seater is nicely equipped. Stepping up to the XLE trim adds an eight-speaker audio system, a sunroof, a foot-gesture power tailgate, a power passenger seat, touch entry and four-zone climate control, is reasonable value. Switching to all-wheel drive on the LE trim will set you back $1800. Stepping up from the LE all-wheel drive to the Limited all-wheel drive includes a sunroof, foot-gesture tailgate, power passenger seat, power-fold mirrors, rear auto braking, rear parking sonar, bigger wheels, a JBL audio sytem, navigation, leather seating, ventilated front seat and a rear entertainment system, but is spectacularly overpriced. The base S(port) trim is the SE front-wheel drive. Compared with the LE front-wheel drive, the XSE adds larger wheels, sporty front and rear fascias, an eight-speaker audio system, navigation, a sunroof, a foot-gesture tailgate, second-row captain chairs, touch entry and four-zone climate controls, at a price that reflects a the value of the additional content. Moving to all-wheel drive  on hte XSE costs $2140. Moving up to the XSE Tech trim adds a JBL audio system, a rear-entertainment unit, a 360 degree camera system, a 120 volt power point, fog lights, rear sonar and rear auto braking, but is significantly overpriced. The Sienna could be a great seller, but Toyota’s decision to make the van exclusively hybrid powered when the firm cannot or will not provide hybrid cars to Canada, has led to delivery delays so long as to essentially discontinue the vehicle in normal market terms.

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.