Toyota Sienna vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. Models equipped with the larger battery were priced higher but delivered enhanced power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats, was $40,468. The 2026 bZ's design was improved with body-color trim, although some colors retained the black overfender trim reminiscent of the bZ4X. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, with a 14-inch center touchscreen integrating climate controls. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna was offered in multiple trims, including LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Woodland Edition, and Platinum, with prices from $42,915 to $60,305, including the destination charge. The Woodland Edition test vehicle, painted in Cypress, had a MSRP of $53,790. Despite its name, the Woodland Edition didn't appear particularly rugged, with only a subtle suspension lift and a tow hitch. The interior was exclusively black, which felt dark and uninviting. The Sienna's interior quality was lacking, with a flimsy shifter and glove compartment, and unlined storage areas contributing to noise. However, the Sienna didn't feel like a typical minivan from the driver's seat, with a wide dashboard and center console resembling a crossover SUV.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor paired with a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, though the Limited trim's range dropped to 299 miles with slightly reduced efficiency. Dual-motor AWD models, equipped with the 74.7-kWh battery, produced 338 hp and offered ranges of 288 miles for the XLE AWD and 278 miles for the Limited. The bZ could be recharged to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, and the larger battery required seven hours for a full charge with a Level 2 home charger. Efficiency tests showed the bZ exceeded EPA estimates in Eco mode but fell slightly short in Normal mode. The bZ's handling was criticized for its lack of one-pedal driving capability and front wheelspin issues, while its highway performance was comfortable but lacked mid-range passing power.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a nickel-metal hydride battery and electric motor, producing 245 horsepower. This powertrain was standard across all trims, with e-AWD available on the Woodland Edition and Platinum. The Sienna's power was adequate for urban driving but lacked reserve power for highway passing or mountain climbs. The EPA rated the AWD Sienna at 35 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 31.1 mpg on a fuel-efficiency loop and 26.8 mpg on a mountainous route. The Woodland Edition's off-road capabilities were limited, with only a slight increase in ground clearance and all-season tires. The Sienna's driving experience was described as dull, with a smooth ride but low handling limits. The brake pedal feel was criticized for being difficult to modulate, requiring excessive force.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform with a battery under the passenger compartment, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. Both front seats had standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality, with a four-zone climate control system standard on most trims. The Woodland Edition lacked ventilated front seats, which were available on higher trims. Power sliding doors with hands-free operation were standard, except on the base LE. The optional "super-long-slide" second-row captain's chairs offered comfort but limited third-row usability. The third-row seat provided adequate space, though the interior felt dark and claustrophobic. The Sienna's cargo space included a deep storage well behind the third row, offering 33.5 cubic feet of space. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 75.2 cubic feet, with a maximum of 101 cubic feet available. However, the second-row seats were not removable or collapsible, limiting flexibility.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The voice assistant worked well, though it struggled with certain commands.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna came with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and touchscreen on most trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple connected service plans. Optional features included wireless charging, a JBL sound system, and a power inverter. The infotainment system's daytime mode was difficult to view, but switching to night mode improved visibility. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had some limitations.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, providing subtle braking and steering inputs. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The bZ's safety ratings from the IIHS were mixed, with high ratings for front-crash avoidance but poor ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering similar safety features to the bZ, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sienna's safety ratings were less favorable, with a three-star driver protection rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal result in the IIHS moderate overlap front-impact test. It did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick award.