Minivans aren’t as popular as they were decades ago — but the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna keep the torch burning for the segment. Both models have some positive features. However, the 2023 Toyota Sienna has one huge thing that the 2023 Honda Odyssey doesn’t offer: an efficient hybrid powertrain.
Unlike the 2023 Honda Odyssey, the 2023 Toyota Sienna has an efficient hybrid powertrain.
Toyota is the automotive industry leader for hybrid technology – and now they’ve applied it to the 2023 Toyota Sienna minivan. All Sienna models have an efficient hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors.
The most obvious advantage of the Sienna’s hybrid powertrain is its high fuel economy. The Sienna gets a fuel-sipping estimated gas mileage of up to 36 city/36 highway mpg. In comparison, all 2023 Honda Odyssey models have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, with estimated gas mileage up to 19 city/28 highway mpg. Compared to the Odyssey, the Sienna gets 17 more mpg for city driving and eight more mpg for highway driving.
Average gas prices have fallen since record highs in early 2022. However, gas is still a significant cost of car ownership. An efficient minivan like the Sienna makes substantial savings when filling up the fuel tank.
Plus, the Sienna’s high-level efficiency adds to the minivan’s advantage. That’s because the Sienna can go farther than the Odyssey on a full tank of gas. As a result, Sienna owners won’t have to stop at the gas station as often as they do with the Odyssey.
The 2023 Sienna’s hybrid powertrain doesn’t mean its performance is poor
Some people might assume that the 2023 Toyota Sienna, with its hybrid powertrain, is weak on the performance front. This concept harkens back to the early days of hybrids — when their reputation was more fun to drive than fun.
However, hybrid performance has improved greatly since those early days. The Sienna’s hybrid powertrain doesn’t mean the minivan lacks performance. It still gets a respectable output of 245 horsepower, which isn’t a huge drop-off from the 2023 Honda Odyssey’s output of 280 horsepower. Also, the Sienna and Odyssey can tow the same amount of weight, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Furthermore, the Sienna has favorable driving dynamics that are not just hybrids — defying long-held notions of minivans as well. With its precise steering and smooth-riding suspension, the Sienna has sedan-like handling.
Additional features of 2023 Sienna compared to 2023 Odyssey
In addition to its efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Toyota Sienna has a few other advantages over the 2023 Honda Odyssey. Unlike the Odyssey, the Sienna offers an all-wheel drive system. The traction provided by the all-wheel drive system is helpful for driving in adverse weather conditions such as snowy and icy roads.
Also, the Sienna is slightly more affordable than the Odyssey. It has a starting price of $35,385 MSRP compared to $37,340 MSRP for the Odyssey. Additionally, the Sienna offers a few other features not available on the Odyssey, such as heated rear seats and a head-up display.
The 2023 Toyota Sienna’s hybrid powertrain is a big advantage the minivan has in its favor when compared to the 2023 Honda Odyssey. If you’re a minivan buyer who puts a premium on high fuel economy, the Sienna is a good choice for you.