Review
Introduction
Toyota never had much luck with the minivan segment until it introduced the first-generation Sienna in 1999. Prior to that very conventional minivan, Toyota had persevered with the highly unconventional Previa, which was a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle in a segment dominated by front-engine, front-wheel-drive offerings. The current second-gen Sienna is a good minivan that’s available with front- or all-wheel drive. (It is the only minivan to currently offer AWD.) All models are powered by Toyota’s silky 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 265 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Like all minivans nowadays, the Sienna offers tons of optional features, including a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and navigation.
Verdict
It might not be the sexiest vehicle on the planet, but the seven- or eight-seat Sienna is a highly capable minivan that was beaten only by the Honda Odyssey in its last Car and Driver comparison test. It goes down the road in a refined manner, owing to an engine and transmission that are as smooth as Belgian chocolates. It rides serenely, too, and is quite fast for a minivan.
Inside, the Sienna has good fit and finish and offers lots of interior room that is easily configured, thanks to a second row that is removable, regardless of whether one opts for a bench or captain’s chairs, as well as a 60/40 split-folding third-row. If you’re after excitement, you won’t get it with the Sienna—and if you are, you probably shouldn’t be shopping for a minivan.
Click here to read our full review of the Toyota Sienna.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Toyota Sienna.
What’s New for 2009
The Sienna is essentially unchanged for the 2009 model year.
Highlights and Recommendations
Toyota offers four Sienna trim levels: CE, LE, XLE, and XLE Limited. All-wheel drive is available on all Siennas barring the CE and costs roughly $2000 to $3000 depending on the trim level.
The CE is pretty well outfitted for a base model, with air conditioning, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and power windows—all for about $25,000. For about $2000 more, LE models add cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, and power rear quarter-windows. Our choice is the front-drive XLE, which is priced just over $30,000 and has power front seats, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, power-sliding side doors and a power cargo hatch, and automatic climate control. The Limited model, which starts at more than $36,000, gets high-intensity-discharge headlamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels, laser cruise control, leather seats, and a parking-assist system.
There are various option packages. Most of them apply to the XLE and XLE Limited, meaning you can’t order some of the best Sienna options on an LE or CE. These include leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a DVD entertainment system, a touch-screen navigation system with a backup camera, a premium audio with a six-CD changer, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Our take: If you’re schlepping kids to soccer games, go for an LE. But if you go on road trips with the munchkins, a well-equipped XLE with navigation, rear-seat entertainment, leather, and the best audio costs less than a Limited.
Safety
All Siennas come with a full array of safety features, from front, front side, and curtain airbags to standard stability and traction control. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are also on the list of safety items.
