There’s a moment in every dad’s life when you realize the SUV is lying to you. Not maliciously. Just… politely. Car seats multiply. Sports bags get bigger. Costco trips turn into logistical events. And suddenly, space matters more than stance.

That’s how we landed on the 2025 Toyota Sienna XLE—and why it became the latest episode in our What We Drove series.

This isn’t a press car. This isn’t a spec-sheet flex. This is the car we actually bought.

Why a Minivan (And Why Now)

We didn’t wake up one day wanting a minivan. We woke up needing one.

With a growing family, the equation changed. Doors matter. Floor height matters. The ability to move around the car—not just sit in it—matters. Minivans were always designed for function first. And honestly? That’s still the point.

The Sienna just happens to hide that function inside something that doesn’t feel like a total surrender.

The Trim We Chose: XLE (The Sweet Spot)

Toyota offers a lot of trims. We didn’t want all the tech. We wanted the right tech.

The XLE hits the middle perfectly:

  • Big, clean touchscreen

  • Wireless charging

  • Plenty of USB ports (because kids + devices = reality)

  • Comfortable without feeling like a spaceship

Enough features to feel modern. Not so many that you’re yelling at menus instead of driving.

The Hybrid That Changes Everything

Here’s the stat that actually matters:

35–40 MPG in a minivan.

The Sienna runs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid, and it completely reframes what “family car” means day to day.

Real-world dad math:

  • ~$40 to fill the tank

  • ~600+ miles of range

  • Fewer gas station stops

  • Less mental overhead

School drop-offs. Practice. Weekend tournaments. Errands. You stop thinking about fuel entirely—and that’s freedom.

Interior: Built for Movement, Not Just Seating

This is where the Sienna earns its keep.

  • Second-row captain’s chairs slide effortlessly

  • Tons of legroom

  • Low floor = easy entry (kids and grandparents)

  • Sliding doors that open five different ways:

    • Foot sensor

    • Handle button

    • Pillar button

    • Key fob

    • Driver controls

It’s a small thing until you’re holding groceries, a backpack, and a kid who refuses to walk. Then it’s everything.

Cargo Space That Actually Solves Problems

The trunk is deep. Like “this used to be a closet” deep.

  • Blankets? Easy.
  • Sports gear? No problem.
  • A dresser? Surprisingly yes.

The third row folds down simply. The seats recline. The space adapts. And yes—Toyota even includes a first-aid kit. Quietly responsible. Very on brand.

The Price (And the Long Game)

Out-the-door price for our 2025 Sienna XLE: $46,500.

Not cheap. But here’s the real calculus:

  • Toyota reliability

  • Hybrid efficiency

  • Minimal maintenance

  • Long lifespan

This is a car you buy once and stop thinking about. That’s the luxury.

Final Take: From “Team SUV” to Team Honest

We were skeptical. We were resistant. We were wrong. The Sienna doesn’t try to be cool. It tries to be useful. And somehow, that’s what makes it great. If you’re still clinging to an SUV because you think a minivan says something about you—ask yourself this:

Do you want to look like you’ve got it together…or actually have it together?

Dad Day Verdict

The 2025 Toyota Sienna is what happens when practicality wins—and everyone benefits. Watch the full episode in our What We Drove series and decide for yourself.

Sometimes the most dad move is choosing what works.