School’s out and of course I need to hop in the car to go pick up my kids and my son’s friend from school then make my way through rush hour traffic to get all the boys to hockey on time. I pile each hockey bag on top of each other so there’s enough space for all 3 boys. The 4 hockey sticks get stored on top and school bags get shoved onto the floor of the front seat. The boys line up three in a row because how else do we fit three kids, three hockey bags and ALL THE STUFF into a car?

My husband has been asking me for years to consider getting a minivan now that the kids are older and there’s more stuff. Plus we love taking road trips.

We need the extra space, but I never have considered myself a minivan mom. I have never ever seen myself driving a minivan. And so have repeatedly said no when it’s time to car shop.

Well, the times they are a changin…

Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and Toyota and have received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Imagine yourself driving around in a vehicle that carried all the stuff these little people we call our kids need, and was still something you looked good in. I always thought that was an SUV for me. Until now. I think this minivan amateur may have been converted.

Last week I had the opportunity to test drive a 2018 Toyota Sienna XLE  for a week. I really didn’t know what to expect nor did I think I would like it so much.

But in just a short time, I came to the realization that the Toyota Sienna is the perfect car for my hockey loving family (and any family for that matter). Here are a few reasons why…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

1.This car is Canada’s only all-wheel-drive minivan that features more than you can imagine; spacious interior, leather seating for 7 or 8 passengers, split/folding second row seats, back-up 180 degree camera/sensors, park assist, power doors, heated seats and steering wheel just to name a few! Plus did you know that it is Canada’s only minivan with AWD!

2. When I look for a car, one of the most important things for me is safety. Knowing that my kids are with me more often than not, I want to make sure we are in the safest hands possible. That’s why it was also great to learn that 95% of Toyota vehicles as well as all 2018 Sienna models are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, an industry-leading suite of advanced safety technologies (toyota.ca/safety)

3. Style is important for us moms and dads and this car is designed with families in mind.

The second row has so much room the kids were in shock that they weren’t on top of eachother! I loved that they had their own space.

The doors can slide open and close with the push of a button. The kids loved being able to do it themselves! Dual power moonroof for those beautiful sunny days. And of course, the entertainment system was a #momwin. Keeps the kids entertained for as long as you need with a widescreen display (and it came with their own headphones!)

 

Imagine the long drives or road trips with the kids…yes, you can do it in silence!! Can I get an AMEN!!

4. For all you tech lovers, the Sienna’s technology is top notch! All 2018 Sienna models come standard equipped with Entune – a suite of advanced in-vehicle connectivity services. Look at that dashboard!! It’s got it all.

And of course, what I loved most for my hockey loving kids is the trunk space. I couldn’t believe what I could fit back there. I even helped a friend get her 26″ bike home!

It’s no wonder why the Sienna is so family friendly. Comfort + convenience + stylish = one happy family!

We were quite sad when we had to return it after the week was up. Even my youngest son said to me the next morning “when do we get the red car back?” Now if that isn’t a hint, I don’t know what is.

And so now it’s time to think about what will happen when my current lease is up. Will I convert? How can we not? In my opinion, the minivan really is the answer to all the stuff!

What do you currently drive? And if not a  minivan, would you ever convert?

xo

D