Toyota offers many vehicles with hybrid powertrains and plenty of seating and cargo space. However, two of the best-regarded are the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Toyota Sienna. Both have unique features and capabilities that justify their popularity, but here’s how Toyota’s two hybrid family haulers compare.

2023 Highlander Hybrid vs. 2023 Sienna: Performance and handling

The standard 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a hybrid engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with two electric motors for 243 hp and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. According to Car and Driver, the Highlander can reach 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds, delivering smooth acceleration.

Like the Highlander, the 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid has a 2-5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a CVT. The minivan has slightly more horsepower at 245 hp but has the same 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, Edmunds notes that the Sienna takes about 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph because it’s slightly heavier than the Highlander. 

Which Toyota hybrid family hauler has better range and fuel economy?

According to Toyota, the base 2023 Highlander Hybrid has a driving range of 615.6 miles in the city and 598.5 miles on the highway on a full charge and full tank. The gas tank can hold 17.1 gallons. With this SUV, drivers get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Sienna has a longer driving range, with 648 miles in the city, on the highway, and combined. The Sienna owes its better range to its larger fuel tank capacity of 18 gallons. Toyota says the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 36 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined.

Which hybrid has more seating and cargo space?

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 2023 Toyota Sienna have plenty of passenger and cargo space. Both provide three-row seating for up to eight passengers. However, the 203.7-inch-long Sienna trumps the 194.9-inch-long Highlander in cargo capacity.

The Highlander has an interior volume of 157.3 cubic feet and a 16-cubic-foot cargo area behind the third row. With the second and third rows folded flat, the cargo capacity increases to 84.3 cubic feet.

The Sienna has an interior volume of 195.9 cubic feet and a cargo area measuring 33.5 cubic feet with all seats in the upright position. Maximum cargo capacity is 101 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

Though both hybrids’ passenger-carrying capacity is the same, the Sienna provides nearly 17 cubic feet more cargo space.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Sienna: Warranty coverage

Like other Toyota models, the Highlander and Sienna are backed by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. The two also have a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Highlander boasts an eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty, longer than the Sienna’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty.

The Highlander Hybrid and Sienna have similar features. However, for a starting MSRP of $36,135, the Sienna provides slightly better performance, a longer driving range, and more space. The Highlander starts at $40,220— over $4,000 more than the Sienna. And though the midsize SUV is nimbler, the minivan is more spacious and comfortable.

The key takeaway is that the Highlander Hybrid and Sienna have similar powertrains, features, and fuel economies. However, the minivan has a slight edge over the SUV in horsepower, driving range, and cargo space.