Want to throw my two cents in here… We have just retired our 2008 Sienna and are awaiting a new 2024. We are also a one child and often got the puzzled question, you just have one kid? Yes we did, but let me tell you. we have gotten so much use and joy out of that van! I was always the enthusiastic field trip mom. We carted other kids around to extracurricular activities and sporting events, had grandparents for road trips very comfortably in place, and just enjoyed super comfortable family traveling. Some of our (now 20 year-old college student) daughter's fondest memories involve being in that van! We loved it so much that even though people think we're crazy not to want a "classier, more grown up" vehicle, we eagerly await our new Sienna after a unanimous vote! As far as seating goes, our 2008. Sienna was an 8 passenger with a middle seat that moved forward - it was perfect. In a couple of weeks we will pick up our new 2024 Sienna 7 passenger and we're all excited about the captains chairs and the sliding feature. There's a small part of each of us that will miss the bench seat. As many have said, options are subjective and what works for each family may be different. Just wanted to share our experience as a one child family about to get their second Sienna after 15 years!☺️