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One Japanese minivan desperately needs a hybrid
Americans have purchased over 200,000 minivans in the first half of 2026, demonstrating the continued relevance of these family-friendly vehicles. While SUVs and trucks remain more popular, the versatility of minivans is unmatched. Toyota and Honda are two of the major players in the minivan segment with the Sienna and Odyssey. Both nameplates were introduced back in the 1990s. In 2026, they’ve been on different trajectories. Demand for the Sienna has grown while the Odyssey has seen a slump. The key to this change may just come down to high gas prices and powertrain availability.
Sienna Vs. Odyssey Sales Figures
2026 Toyota Sienna
Toyota
Toyota sold 55,252 units of the Sienna in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 4.7%. June was an especially strong month for the Sienna, with an increase of 27.5%.
Honda, meanwhile, sold 42,846 Odyssey minivans in the first half, a notable decline of 14.4%. In June, Odyssey sales were down by 11.1% relative to the same month in 2025.
As a result, Toyota has opened up a much bigger lead over its traditional rival this year. Halfway through 2025, the Sienna was ahead by just 2,729 units. At the same point in 2026, the Sienna is comfortably ahead by 12,406 units. June’s figures suggest that Toyota will widen its lead if its momentum is sustained.
Neither of these vehicles is the top-selling minivan in 2026. That honor goes to the Chrysler Pacifica, which sold 67,120 units in the first half following a significant design refresh earlier this year.
Related: 2026 Toyota Sienna vs Honda Odyssey: One Minivan Has A Big Family Advantage
Odyssey’s Thirsty V6 Might Be Hurting Sales
Honda
The conflict in the Middle East has caused gas prices to spike sharply in the first half of the year. According to AAA, average gas prices across the U.S. peaked at $4.56 per gallon on May 21. Over the same period, demand for efficient hybrid vehicles increased considerably, and the Toyota Sienna may have capitalized on this.
All Siennas use the same hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor. In front-wheel-drive guise, the Sienna gets 36/36/36 mpg city/highway/combined. With optional all-wheel drive, those figures barely drop to 35/36/35 mpg.
Honda is a major player in the hybrid segment, but the Odyssey relies exclusively on a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. It gets 19/28/22 mpg, so is nowhere near as economical as the Sienna.
Toyota
Even with a smaller 18-gallon gas tank, the Sienna can travel up to 648 miles. The Odyssey’s larger 19.5-gallon gas tank enables a range of just 429 miles, over 200 miles behind the Toyota. According to the EPA, annual average fuel costs for the Honda work out to $2,850, a full $1,100 more than the Toyota.
This is a fundamental difference between the two minivans. The growing popularity of hybrids and demand for fuel-efficient vehicles could be the primary factor that has seen more buyers choose the Toyota in 2026. In other respects, the Odyssey remains a strong product, and it actually surpasses the Sienna in total cargo space and the driving experience.
Why It Matters
Toyota
While Toyota and Honda have both enjoyed great success with smaller hybrids like the Prius and Civic, sales of the Sienna and Odyssey suggest that buyers increasingly want larger family vehicles with more efficient powertrains. Where larger six-cylinder engines were once considered the minimum for seven- or eight-seater vehicles, customers are willing to forgo bigger engines if it means they can enjoy superior efficiency ratings.
More concerning for Honda, a redesigned Odyssey is only due in 2030, so a hybrid version may not be offered until then. This could benefit the Sienna and Kia Carnival, both of which have more efficient hybrid powertrains.
Related: The Honda Odyssey Isn’t Getting Redesigned Until 2030. Is 13 Years Too Long?
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