Don’t be terrified by the big, not-so-bad minivan.
Seems the term ‘minivan’ brings chills and clouded memories for many Generation X and Generation Yers (those mid 40s and younger).
Not all share in revisionist-type skepticism. When the segment was born in the mid to late 1980s, parents of X and Yers found minivans answered more questions than posed.
And when X and Yers begin multiplying and starting families of their own, the practicality of wide, sliding side doors and three rows of seats may just trump any, ‘never-in-my-lifetime’ preconception.
Take Toyota’s well-regarded Sienna minivan, based on a third-generation effort introduced in the 2011 model year and built in Princeton, Indiana, along the southern reaches of the Hoosier state.
A key aspect to Sienna’s success, especially here in the Midwest, is the availability of grip-friendly all-wheel drive. It’s the only family-friendly minivan with this optional, extra-traction feature resonating exceptionally well with Chicagoans still wary of the wild winter of 2013-2014.
During the 2011 third-generation makeover, a four-cylinder engine was introduced. However, this powertrain accounted for less than five percent of sales during two subsequent years and by the time 2013 rolled around, Asia’s largest automaker dropped the four banger, leaving its venerable V-6 as the sole powertrain. That peppy 3.5-liter, 24-valve, naturally-aspirated V-6 is connected to a very smooth-shifting and exceptionally quiet six-speed automatic transmission. Both are similar to what Toyota employees in its completely revamped 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size crossover. Unlike Highlander, which offers a gas-electric hybrid variant, Sienna comes exclusively with one gas-powered V-6.
The current Sienna was designed in southern California specifically for the North American market. Sienna debuted in the 1998 model year with a Gen Two entry onboard in 2004. Precious little changes for 2013 save for blind spot monitoring now being a stand-alone option in the SE grade, an illuminated cruise control stalk and a 3,500-pound towing capability across all trims.
While minivans remain absent from the General Motors lineup, Ford Motor Company quietly returns to the segment with a ‘wagon’ version of its Transit Connect hauler available in five or seven-passenger models. Segment-blazing Chrysler Corp. continues building the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans (and twin Routan for Volkswagen), while Honda and Nissan build the Odyssey and Quest respectively. Kia’s Sedona minivan gets completely redesigned in 2015 after taking a short hiatus.
Five Sienna trims return from 2013: L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel drive is optional in LE, XLE and luxury-appointed Limited. Two very comfortable captain’s chairs (seven-passenger seating) come standard in row two, while a three-seat bench is optional (eight-row seating). Second-row captain’s chairs slide forward and rearward via a floor track measuring an impressive 23 inches. Folks have the option of sliding these seats forward for third-row access, or if feeling more agile, may enter between the second-row seats.
Drivers sit higher up than conventional sedans for good road perception. Both front captain’s chairs include inside arm rests that fold up and down; row to chairs have movable arm rest on both sides.
Second row buckets may be removed, but with great effort. If storage opportunities behind row one are prioritized, look to Chrysler’s ‘stow ‘n go’ second-row seats which contort relatively easily into the floor, but when prone, are not very derriere-friendly.
The third row bench, with a 60/40 split, manually folds into a rearward well via straps and a grab handle creating a flat surface. Only front-drive versions of the top-level Limited include a power-folding third row. Toyota boasts room enough for five golf bags behind the prone, in-use third row. A ‘dual view’ entertainment system is optional in SE, XLE and Limited editions. This design allows a split screen from two inputs (DVDs, games) or combines as one single screen if all agree on a single selection.
All trims except the base L come with dual power-slide rear side doors activated from an interior B-pillar push-button, the key fob, by tugging on the outside grab handle or via a button accessible by the driver near the rear-view mirror. All trims include second-row windows that power down, allowing air to flow freely. The rear hatch is power operated in SE, XLE and Limited trims.
Our all-wheel-drive XLE included a $36,185 starting price. Factory options including a $500 blind spot monitoring system and $1,735 navigation package along with a smattering of dealer add ons and $860 destination charge brought the bottom line to $40,322. Starting pricing checks in at $26,920 for a front-drive, seven-passenger L trim. By contrast, Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan starts at $31,760, Honda’s Odyssey checks in at $29,655 while the 2014 Nissan Quest starts at $26,850. In-dash navigation is optional in all but base L trims.
All trims include tri-zone air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel electric power steering and more than enough cup holders.
As with many competing minivans, XLE Sienna’s include a long, narrow concaved mirror flipping down near the rear-view mirror so pilots can monitor the goings on of their in-back crew. The automatic transmission shifter is mounted on the dash (not the floor) just right of the push-button start button. This opens up the area between front captain’s chairs for a large, versatile storage unit (well stocked with cup holders) with a slide-back top revealing a deep bin. This same structure benefits second-row riders with pull-out dual beverage holders and storage drawer. Every trim minus the base L includes this fixed center console. Two additional cup holders retract out from the dash’s center column, while a USB port and power outlet reside below.
Power mirrors operate from an electronic template left of the steering column. Power buttons opening and closing third-row side vents are also located in this area.
The eye-appealing black-and-grey dashboard included wood-like accents in our XLE-trim, but texture was more plastic than soft-touch. A circular touch pad (fan direction, speed) with protruding center twist knob (temperature) monitors ventilation controls. Extra storage is available from far right side, duo, independent glove boxes.
The 20-gallon fuel tank accepts 87-octane regular fuel. Fuel mileage remains average for this category, with our all-wheel-drive tester generating 16 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway. If opting for front-drive models, expect two miles more from each category. Honda’s Odyssey minivan remains the V-6 mileage leader.
Exterior wise, Sienna continues in the tradition of Toyota’s conservative styling effort which for a minivan, works just fine. A creative and functional nuance includes rear door slide tracks cleverly hidden under back-end window frames, for uninterrupted side panel smoothness. Many rivals utilize a track line below the windows gliding door mechanics back and forth. At 200 inches in length, it’s ideal for carrying cargo and kids, although parallel parking needs some extra care. Steering remains nimble and Sienna boasts one of the shortest turning radiuses in its class.
Brand loyalty could be the deciding factor in a minivan purchase since most are six-cylinder, roomy and easy-to-drive. Sienna’s key pick-to-click is the all-wheel-drive option.
At a Glance
2014 Toyota Sienna
Price as tested: $40,322
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 266
Wheelbase: 119.3 inches
Overall width: 78.2 inches
Overall height: 68.9 inches
Overall length: 200.2 inches
Curb weight: 4,735 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles
Fuel economy: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Assembly: Princeton, Indiana
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