It is a frequent and frustrating reality that the smart option often isn’t the desired option. As Road Show points out, sometimes a minivan is just better than that SUV you’ve been eyeing up.
As an example, the video goes through the many advantages that the Toyota Sienna has over its higher-riding competition.
The biggest one being fuel-economy. Only available as a hybrid, the Sienna much more efficient than the average SUV. But even against a hybrid like the Ford Explorer Hybrid, it flexes its economical muscle.
Even in its less efficient AWD layout, the Sienna easily outsips the Explorer. But in FWD guise, it gets nearly 10 miles per gallon more in any scenario.
That’s pretty good, especially considering it beats an Escalade ESV in cargo space behind the second and third rows. Sure, it can’t match the Caddy for overall space, but the big SUV is a full 23-inches longer than the Toyota.
Mind you, the Sienna gets some help in the cargo race, because its second-row seats move forward and backwards by up to 25 inches. That means that Toyota designers could fit a recliner’s-worth of comfort features into the van. All of which makes it a remarkably comfortable roadtripper.
There are some disadvantages to the Sienna, though. Its drivetrain means you’re stuck with a CVT transmission and pretty uninspiring performance. Moreover, it can only tow 3,500 lbs, whereas similarly-sized SUVs tend to be able to tow more like 5,000 lbs.
In most scenarios, though, the Sienna easily beats the taller competition. It might not be as attractive, or popular, but will you really care when you’re kicking your feet up and reclining like you’re in business class?