Families with higher budgets for premium people-movers tend to gravitate toward three-row SUVs. That’s a perfectly reasonable choice — they look great and can accommodate up to seven people. However, sometimes it’s time to swallow your pride and accept what’s statistically superior: a hybrid minivan. The sheer notion of those words is enough to send shivers down your spine.
The Toyota Sienna is a hybrid-only minivan with a top trim level that competes with the Lexus RX 350h and Acura MDX in terms of features and quality, but only the Sienna can return such efficient fuel economy for a similar or better price. This three-row family car is an efficient luxury experience worth considering over more traditional options.
All specs have been pulled directly from the manufacturers. Prices are correct at the time of writing, and exclude destination, options, incentives, taxes, and potential dealer fees. Automakers reserve the right to change pricing at any time without notice.
The Toyota Sienna Isn’t Cheap, And That’s Not Bad
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum front 3/4 angle in grayToyota
At its most basic, the Sienna isn’t too expensive. There are six trims to choose from for the 2026 model year; the cheapest option is the LE, which starts at $40,820. In the middle of the pack lies the XSE and Limited trims for $48,745 and $51,505, respectively. Those mid-tier trims are nice enough for most families — we’d actually recommend them for people with younger kids, who can expect the back seats to become a mess fairly often. That said, the nicest Sienna trim is the Platinum. For $58,210, you can have high-quality materials and every feature Toyota offers.
2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium AWD front 3/4Lexus
Buyers with a nearly $60k budget have plenty of choices, though. One such choice is downsizing slightly to the Lexus RX. Its 350h trim levels come with a hybrid powertrain and enough features to keep everybody comfortable. There are five RX 350h trims that range in price from $53,525 for the base model 350h AWD to $64,245 for the 350h Luxury AWD before destination, options, and other fees.
2026 Acura MDX – front 3/4 angle in gray while drivingAcura
The Acura MDX’s base model is the cheaper luxury SUV, since it starts with a front-wheel drive configuration. Buyers can expect to pay at least $51,800 for the lowest trim. On that note, the most expensive version is the Type S Advance, which has a more powerful engine and more features for $75,850.
Only The Sienna Can Return Fuel Economy This Good
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum Rear Angle on School RunToyota
All 2026 Toyota Siennas are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder hybrid system that makes 245 combined horsepower. Power is sent to all four wheels via an electronic CVT. It’s not especially powerful, but it’s enough to comfortably reach freeway speeds by the end of an on-ramp. What makes this model special is its ability to reach an EPA-estimated 36/36/36 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive. The Platinum trim still reaches 35/36/35, since it comes with standard all-wheel drive.
The Lexus RX 350h, regardless of trim or variant, uses a 2.4-liter hybrid four-cylinder that makes 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. Like the Sienna, power is sent to all four wheels through an eCVT. Unlike the Sienna, though, the RX 350h comes with standard AWD in every variant. According to the EPA, all RX 350h trims get 37/34/36 mpg — that technically matches the Sienna as far as combined fuel economy goes, but it can’t fit as many people inside. Only the Sienna can get 36 combined mpg while seating up to eight occupants.
Finally, there’s the Acura MDX. This seven-seater uses a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque in almost all trims; the Type S Advance is a special case that uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic sends power to either the front or all four wheels. FWD variants get 19/26/22 mpg, while AWD returns 19/25/21 mpg, and the Type S Advance gets 17/21/19 mpg.
More Space For People And Cargo
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum interior view of the second rowToyota
So the Lexus RX can technically match the Sienna’s fuel economy, but it can’t replicate the Sienna’s interior space and practicality. The Sienna Platinum can seat up to seven people across three rows; those in the second row get 39.3 inches of headroom and 39.9 inches of legroom, while the third row provides 37.4 inches of headroom and 38.7 inches of legroom. Its cargo volume is also impressive, as it has 33.5 cubic feet of space with all three rows in their upright positions, and it maxes out at 101 cubic feet behind the first row.
2025 Lexus RX Interior view of the second rowLexus
The picture above shows the rear seats in a Lexus RX. They’re nicely appointed, but the model only has room for up to five people. At least those in the rear seats will be comfortable with 38.6 inches of headroom and 37.4 inches of legroom. As for cargo space, the RX can fit 29.6 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk, or a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet behind the front row.
2026 Acura MDX – interior view of the back seatsAcura
Acura’s MDX is shown in the photo above. It can fit up to seven people inside, with those in the second and third rows getting 38.1 and 36.2 inches of headroom, and 38.5 and 29.1 inches of legroom. While it matches the Sienna’s seating capacity, adults and taller kids will feel rather cramped in the third row. Cargo space comes in at 16.3 ft³ in the trunk and a maximum of 71.4 ft³ behind the front row when measuring according to SAE standards. Accounting for the space between the seats and the floor means a max of 95 ft³.
Toyota’s Platinum Trim Is Surprisingly Nice
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum interior detail shot of the built-in vacuumToyota
We can throw numbers at you all day long, but more tangible reasons to choose a Sienna Platinum over an RX 350h or MDX come in the form of interior amenities. The Sienna Platinum costs a lot, but it’s worthwhile for reaching Lexus levels of luxury. Some standard highlights include:
- Wireless phone charging
- Heated and ventilated, leather-trimmed front seats
- Heated leather second-row captain’s chairs
- SofTex-trimmed third-row seats with 60/40 folding ability
- Built-in vacuum and a FridgeBox cooler with settings for cold and freezing temperatures
- 18 cup and bottle holders
- Four-zone automatic climate controls
- A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Second and third-row sunshades
- A 12-speaker JBL audio system
There are even more features and available packages to make the Sienna Platinum the ultimate family-hauler, too. All of the above may be standard, but you could also equip it with a 1080p entertainment center with HDMI ports, a remote and two wireless headphones, a 1,500-watt power inverter with two outlets, and more.
The Lexus RX 350h And Acura MDX Lack Built-In Vacuums
2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium AWD interior steering wheel viewLexus
Obviously, most of the Sienna’s features are geared toward keeping an entire family comfortable and happy. That said, the Lexus RX and Acura MDX lack built-in fridges, vacuums, and optional built-in HD TVs with headphones. Nevertheless, they’re both nice in their own ways. To match the Sienna Platinum’s near-$60k price tag, let’s focus on the RX 350h Premium trim and the Acura MDX Technology Package.
This version of the RX comes with faux-leather “NuLuxe” upholstery, multi-zone climate control, Ash Bamboo interior trim, a heated wood and leather steering wheel, heated side mirrors, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and more. As for the MDX Technology Package, buyers can expect sport seats with perforated Milano leather and contrast stitching, front 12-way power seats with power lumbar support, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, second-row sunshades, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and more.
Sienna Also Offers The Lowest Maintenance Costs
2021 – 2025 Toyota Sienna interior detail shot of the built-in coolerToyota
The Sienna Platinum is fairly expensive up front, but so are the RX 350h and the MDX. That said, the Sienna undercuts both in terms of features, space, fuel economy (except where the RX matches it), and maintenance costs. According to CarEdge, Sienna owners can expect to pay an average of $2,113 for maintenance and repairs over its first five years on the road, which is less than the average minivan by $2,060.
CarEdge’s data also shows the Lexus RX 350 costing owners $2,566 in maintenance and repairs over the same timeframe, while the Acura MDX is the most expensive of the bunch by coming in at $3,386. There’s a less than 8% chance the Sienna will need a major repair in that time; the RX 350 and MDX have a 9.88% and 13.84% chance, respectively.
An On-Paper Winner, But Does It Win Over Your Ego?
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum Gray Front Angle DrivingToyota
Driving a minivan isn’t everybody’s first choice — we know, and that’s why Kia cleverly rebranded its Carnival as an “MPV” to get around the stereotypes. However, we can’t overstate that looking past the body style will unlock a world of increased practicality, comfort for your whole family, and long-term savings. We drove the current Sienna a few years ago, and found it wonderfully spacious and convenient. The Sienna’s top trim level costs as much as a luxury SUV, but your family will appreciate the extra effort all day long.
Sources: Toyota, Lexus, Acura, EPA, CarEdge
