Why Hoda Kotb Is Hiding Out In Her Minivan — And Loving It

Hoda Kotb is living her best suburban mom life — and it all starts with her new minivan. On the November 20 episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, the 59-year-old mom of two couldn’t stop gushing about her latest purchase.

“Have I told you I love my minivan? I love it so much,” Hoda excitedly shared with co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Since moving to the suburbs of New York City, the Toyota Sienna has become more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a sanctuary.

Jenna, a mom herself, playfully asked, “Have you [gone] in there to hide from your children yet?”

Hoda didn’t hesitate to admit it. According to her, she was sitting outside her house the day before and did not go in.

“But I was in the car. So I was casing and waiting,” she recalled.

Jenna, who has three kids — Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5 — could completely relate. “You’ll find yourself sitting in the car, listening to music, having some alone time. And wait, you’re like, ‘OK, maybe just one more song,'” she stated.

Hoda agreed, adding, “Sometimes you need that time. You reset. And then you’re ready.”

This love affair with her minivan isn’t exactly new. Just a week earlier, on the November 14 episode, Hoda gleefully announced her purchase. “Guys, I’m getting a minivan! A Toyota Sienna!” she exclaimed. 

“I’m so excited. I have wanted a Toyota Sienna for a long time,” she added.

Hoda even demonstrated her favorite feature — the automatic sliding doors — with a hilarious reenactment. “You push the buttons, click! And the doors go woosh,” she said, clearly delighted.

The minivan isn’t just a dream car for Hoda; it’s also a practical solution for her role as “carpool mom.”

As she explained: “I can only take three kids because there’s no other room. Not anymore!”