Reviewed by Susan Frissell
It may not thrill other automotive writers, but for me, a week in a brand new minivan is a treat. Ok, I admit it, I’m a nerd. You can’t beat them though, and I for one, hope the manufacturers do not discontinue these all-purpose vehicles. Once again, thanks to Lee Iacoca for inventing the minivan; a vehicle for all ages and lifestyles.
Our all-wheel-drive Toyota Sienna XLE test vehicle performed well on most fronts. Unchanged for 2014, Sienna does get a tow prep package as standard equipment. In addition, the SE trim Sienna now offers an stand-alone optional blind spot monitoring system.
2014 Sienna XLE
Some call the minivan a ‘box on wheels.’ We prefer to think of it as the most space-efficient vehicle on the market. Moving people and cargo are what it does best and you cannot beat the square roomy shape that offers room enough to carry all manner of things.
Those minivans left in the marketplace include the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and the re-introduced Kia Sedona. All competitive, offering a spacious interior teamed with luxury. Today’s minivan is a car of a different color; by that we mean, this is one upgraded ride. From leather to a choice of suspension tuning, minivans of 2014, are a house on wheels: complete with every kind of option one can hope for. Backup cameras, blind spot monitors, navigation systems and the latest in technology, drivers want for little.
Able to carry up to eight passengers, the Sienna is available in all-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, and four trim levels: L, LE, SE and XLE. The LE and XLE versions are available in seven and eight-passenger configurations, while the L and Limited are seven-passenger vehicles. The SE is an eight-passenger. All trim levels offer front-wheel-drive, while LE, XLE and Limited have a choice of all-wheel or front-wheel-drive.
The higher the trim level goes, the more luxury you can expect. The entry-level models wear 17-inch wheels, have manual sliding rear doors, a telescoping steering wheel, cruise and basic sound system. Moving into the LE gets you roof rails, power-sliding rear doors, power liftgate, heated outside mirrors, overhead-mounted consoles, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), Bluetooth phone/audio and six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
Appealing to the sportier driver, Sienna offers the SE version. Equipped similarly to the LE version, the SE has been a tad more aggressively styled, sports 19-inch alloy wheels, unique front fascia, lower-body skirting and tinted head and taillights. A firmer suspension has been added, along with revised power steering to make the SE feel like a performer. Leatherette/cloth upholstery compliments a unique IP.
Sienna interior
Our test vehicle, the XLE all-wheel-drive version, is equipped with many more luxury features, such as automatic headlights, sunroof, acoustic windshield, blind spot monitoring system, leather seating, premium IP, heated front seats, four-way power front passenger seat and poser-opening rear quarter windows. Our test XLE came equipped with just over $3200 worth of options: Blind Spot Monitor ($500), XLE Navigation Package, $1735 (Entune app Suite, Smart Key System on a all doors with push button start and remoter illuminated entry, chrome-accented outside door handles with Touch-Sensor Lock/unlock feature, rear parking assist sonar, display navigation with Entune including 6.1-inch High resolution touch-screen with split-screen capability and integrated with MP3/WMA Playback capability, 6 speakers, SiriusXM/Radio capability , HD radio with iTunes, Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity and control hand-free phone capability, phone book access, advance voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.
Also included in our XLE options were cargo net ($49), first aid kit ($29), Roof rack cross bars ($185), XM Satellite radio ($449), Carpet floor mats, door sill protector ($330).
As one would expect, opting for the Limited edition brings even more goodies such as 18-inch wheels, satin chrome grill and second row lounge-style seating. Leather-and-wood steering wheel and the upgraded 10-speaker JBL surround sound audio system are standard on the Limited. This writer wasn’t enamored with the sound system in our XLE. Speakers leave something to be desired and moving around the FM/AM/SAT choices is laborious.
Families can opt for a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with its large two-split display screen. Toyota’s Entune smartphone app integration will appeal to the technies among buyers.
Each Sienna trim level is equipped with Toyota’s 3.5-liter v6 engine, with 266 horsepower, enough to navigate most driving situations. This writer surprised herself when driving on 65 from Indianapolis to Chicago. All of a sudden the Sienna’s needle hit 85 mph; a smooth, cruising speed. Surprised when I glanced down at the speedo, I was impressed with the smoothness of the 3.5 engine. Testing by Edmunds’ clocked the Limited at 7.5 seconds from zero to 60 mph.
Fuel economy is estimated at 18/25 mpg, with an average of 21 mpg. Not bad for a heavy, large vehicle. But the, one doesn’t really buy a minivan for the fuel economy. Or do they?
Safety equipment, as expected, includes ABS, driver-side knee airbag, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and stability and traction control. Blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, energy absorbing collapsible steering column.
The Sienna’s seats are comfortable, yet not as form-fitting as some drivers would like. Operating controls isn’t the easiest reach, nor is the display screen easy to read. Our test XLE came equipped with second rear captain’s chairs. While legroom is maximized with this seating arrangement, it makes sense when traveling, but not so around town. That is, unless the passengers are adults. One advantage is the open floor area surrounding the seats: Great for small cargo—and pets!
Sienna XLE interior
The Sienna is one of the better minivans available. Its peppy acceleration and ease of cruisablity makes it a natural on long road trips. Providing decent fuel economy, tons of amenities and competent handling, the Sienna offers much.
Competitors include Chrysler Town & Country, Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, and Nissan Quest and Dodge Grand Caravan. Our personal choice is the Caravan, having owned one years ago.
SPECS:
MSRP: $36, 185; total vehicle price $40,322; destination $860
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve, vvt-1 V6, 266 hp., 245 lb.-ft. torque
Transmission: 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic OD w/Intelligence (ECT-1) active torque control AWD system
Wheelbase: 119.3 in.
Height: 68.9 in.
Width: 78.1 in.
Weight: 4,310-4,415-4480-4,465 lbs.
Length: 200.2 in.
EPA fuel economy: 18/25 mpg.
Fuel tank capacity: 20 gal.
Tires: P235/55R18 inch
Wheels: 18-inch 10-spoke alloy
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Warranty: Basic: 3 yr./36,000-miles; Free Maintenance: 2 yr./25,000-miles; Drivetrain: 5 yr./60,000-miles; Roadside Assistance: 2 yr./25,000-miles; Ruse: 5 yr./Unlimited
Leave A Comment