# Sienna 7 vs 8 passenger minivan **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** sienna, toyota\ **Created:** [September 8, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sienna-7-vs-8-passenger-minivan/36302 "2009-09-08T05:17:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![julieannseeksharpe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@julieannseeksharpe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/julieannseeksharpe)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sienna-7-vs-8-passenger-minivan/36302/1 "2009-09-08T05:17:30Z")
must get a minivan - baby #3 on the way. wondering if anyone who has opted for the extra 8th seat is incredibly delighted with it – or if you think you would have been just as happy with a 7 seater. thinking i want the 8th seat to have everyone near and to have the extra space in back - but would like to hear from your experience. are there other good reasons to choose one over the other? ---
**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2009, 11:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sienna-7-vs-8-passenger-minivan/36302/2 "2009-09-08T11:08:07Z")
Just to be clear, I don’t have a Sienna or 3 kids. I have been a long time minivan owner & have 2 kids. Personally, I would opt for the 8th seat. Much of the time it won’t matter, but off the top of my head I know of at least 2 instances (not uncommon) where you will kick yourself. First is wanting to take a trip, and yes, needing the extra space in the back. Being able to put all three in the middle will make a big difference. Another thing to think about is 3 x 2 kids. With an 8 seater you can put 2 adults in front w/ 6 kids in the back - your 3 plus one friend for each. My other car is a small wagon and 5 seats is a really bad number with 2 kids - so 7 would be a bad number for 3 kids. Just MHO. ---
**Author:** ![JoeMario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JoeMario](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JoeMario)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2009, 11:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sienna-7-vs-8-passenger-minivan/36302/3 "2009-09-08T11:49:09Z")
With the 8-seat arrangement, it looks like access to the 3rd row may be constrained. I would definitely go to a dealership that has an 8-seat Sienna and try getting in and out of the 3rd row seat yourself. ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2009, 11:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sienna-7-vs-8-passenger-minivan/36302/4 "2009-09-08T11:56:48Z")
I am seeking a used Sienna with 8 passenger config with only two kids. You can carry more friends or most of another family with 8 passenger. The middle seats remove very easily to make a 7 passenger configuration as each one is invidual. The seats flip very easily(spring loaded) to access the rear of vehicle. Try both out but I rented 7 passenger and 8 passenger over a few times and much happier with 8 passenger version.