Are the Sienna and Sequoia Hybrids the Perfect Family Vehicles?

If you’re in the market for your next family vehicle, there are plenty of reasons to choose a hybrid like the Sequoia or Sienna when browsing the lot here at Marietta Toyota, your local Toyota dealer near Powder Springs. These models’ next-generation powertrains boast countless advantages over a purely gas-powered setup, especially when it comes to operating costs.

A 2023 study by Consumer Reports found that a driver will save as much as $4,000 in fuel costs over the life of a vehicle by opting for a hybrid model, which is no small chunk of change for the average family. The study also determined that hybrids are around 26% more reliable than internal combustion models, which means fewer unexpected repair bills that can throw a real wrench into your monthly budget.

Then there are the obvious environmental benefits. Every parent wants to create a better world for their children, and the reduced emissions of a hybrid Sequoia or Sienna can go a long way toward making that sort of future possible. While all-electric vehicles are clearly the most efficient option on today’s market, the convenience-related challenges around charging can make them a less practical choice for busy families who don’t have time to top off the battery.

A hybrid offers the best of both worlds, maximizing efficiency without introducing a whole new set of logistical issues. Whether you’re off for a day of biking on the Silver Comet Trail or heading to Walter H. Cantrell Stadium to take in a game, the hybrid Toyota Sienna and Sequoia offer an exceptional blend of performance, convenience, and cargo and passenger room that makes either of these two models an ideal choice for families big and small.

Cargo and Passenger Room

A good family vehicle needs to be reliable and affordable but also needs to provide plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike. The Sienna and Sequoia both excel in this department, with spacious interiors and enough seating to comfortably accommodate parents, kids, and whoever else might be along for the journey.

Both the Sienna and Sequoia can fit eight passengers or seven when the second-row bench seats are replaced with standalone captain’s chairs. In the Sienna, these captain’s chairs can be adjusted to slide forward or backward by as much as 25 inches—a crucial feature that allows drivers to maximize second-row legroom or rear storage depending on their needs.

Those opting for the Sienna’s Limited or Platinum trims will get access to two of the more unique features on the market: an onboard vacuum cleaner and reclining second-row seats with pop-up ottomans. Ideal for kids who need to catch up on a little sleep during longer rides, these reclining second-row seats are the perfect salve for cranky passengers.

The Sequoia’s heated and cooled second-row captain’s chairs serve a similar function by ensuring every seat is kept at the ideal temperature while the panoramic sunroof creates a bright, airy cabin. The Sequoia’s 157 cu.ft. of passenger volume places it at the top of the list of Toyota’s roomiest models, but it’s the SUV’s ingenious cargo solutions that make it a real standout in the lineup.

The cabin offers 86.9 cu.ft. of cargo space when the second and third rows are stowed away, with the latter even being treated to a power-folding function that makes creating a little extra space as easy as pressing a button. Those looking to maximize cargo space while staying organized will appreciate the Sequoia’s cargo shelf system, which provides a clever storage solution for camping gear, groceries, or all the tools and supplies you need for a full day of BMX racing at Wildhorse Creek Park.

Towing Capacity

Cargo room isn’t just about how much you can fit inside the vehicle, which is why we should probably take a moment to touch on towing capacity. The minivan segment has never really been known for its towing prowess, but Sienna’s 245-hp, dual-electric motor setup pays dividends when it comes time to put in a little work.

With a total towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, Sienna owners can easily bring must-have adventure accessories like a pop-up camping trailer, powersports equipment, or a small fishing boat along for the ride. The Sienna is available with an integrated tow hitch and, in its AWD Woodland Edition trim, even boasts a little extra ground clearance that can make all the difference when it comes to navigating light off-road terrain like the black sand that gave Powder Springs its name.

As a full-size SUV, the Sequoia’s stellar towing credentials aren’t as surprising, but that doesn’t make them any less impressive. The three-row SUV boasts a brawny towing capacity of 9,520 lbs, freeing families from having to make any tough decisions about what to bring along on their next road trip or vacation. There are few better ways to save a little money than traveling with your own overnight accommodations—and with the 2024 Sienna, families can bring along a camper or RV that includes all the comforts of home while saving an average of $240 per night that would otherwise go to an overpriced hotel room.

The Sequoia even comes with an integrated trailer brake controller that’ll help to improve driver confidence when navigating steep grades with a fully-loaded trailer, while a laid-leveling rear height control air suspension (or optional adaptive variable suspension) ensures you won’t have to sacrifice comfort in the name of towing ability. Other towing-specific equipment includes dedicated Tow/Haul and Tow+ modes and a clever Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist for navigating tight spots.

Performance

The Sequoia is built around Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that shows just how muscular an alternative-fuel vehicle can be with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine putting out 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. This opens the door to some impressive towing capacity, and while most families might not strictly need their full-size SUV to be able to speed from zero to sixty in 5.6 seconds, it’s certainly not an unwelcomed ability!

While rear-wheel drive comes standard, those seeking some off-road adventure will appreciate the optional AWD that can be had with most trims. Speaking of off-road performance, the TRD Pro is the obvious standout with its front skid plate, locking rear differential, Fox dampers, and 33-inch tires, but every version of the Sequoia can hold its own when the going gets rough.

The Sienna is another one of Toyota’s hybrid-only offerings, which makes a lot of sense when you consider this minivan’s family-focused design. A 2.5-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder engine and a set of electric motors give the Sienna 245 hp to work with, which should be more than enough unless you’re looking to join a minivan-only racing league.

Those upgrading to the AWD version will appreciate the addition of a third electric motor mated to the rear axle, which gives the Sienna enhanced traction (and a little more get-up-and-go) than the standard RWD. The hybrid powertrain might not offer the same muscle or acceleration as some gas-powered models, but when you consider the savings and the Sienna’s intended use as a reliable family hauler, it’s a trade-off that should satisfy most drivers.

Hybrid Excellence in the Sienna and Sequoia

The Toyota Sienna and Sequoia stand as perfect examples of everything there is to love about the maturing hybrid segment. While hybrid technology was once limited to small, aerodynamic compacts that were largely impractical for families, a new generation of roomy models like the Sienna minivan and Sequoia full-size SUV proves just how far the segment has come in the last couple of decades.

Both of these Toyotas offer an unparalleled mix of cutting-edge features and ingenious design decisions that make them the perfect addition to any garage, not to mention the potential cost savings in terms of fuel, repairs, and maintenance. From shuttling kids to the Seven Springs Water Park to taking in a summer concert at the Thurman Springs Park, it’s hard to beat the Sequoia or Sienna when you’re looking for a reliable, roomy ride that’ll keep the whole family happy.

Stop by Marietta Toyota today and see why these two models have become a mainstay of little league games, school pick-up lines, and grocery store parking lots across Powder Springs.