For 2013, Toyota has paired the Sienna down to just one powerplant: a 266-horsepower 3.5L V6. The engine comes linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and delivers 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
While the Sienna's suspension is tuned toward comfort, the SE trim gets revised springs/dampeners for better handling that approaches that of a car. The standard 19-inch wheels on the SE trim are a nice complement to that model's privacy glass, roof rails and smoked chrome exterior pieces.
The Sienna is the only vehicle in its class to offer optional all-wheel drive. Toyota's system utilizes a center differential to split power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels under normal driving situations, but transfers more to the wheels that have traction during slippery conditions. Other Siennas are configured as front-wheel drive.
Safety is an important factor in designing any minivan, and the Sienna comes with a long list of such features. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist are standard, as are front seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain bags for all three rows. Driver knee airbags are also included. All-wheel drive models are also fitted with run-flat tires which allow the Sienna to go up to 100 miles at 55 mph once the tire loses air. Blind spot monitoring is optional on LE and XLE trims and comes standard on Limited models.
Interior accommodations in the Sienna include three rows of seating and a capacity of either seven or eight passengers. The 8-passenger configuration--offered on SE, LE and XLE trims--includes a second-row bench seat that can slide fore and aft. The 7-passenger models substitute two captain's chairs for the bench. Second and third-row seats are removable to expand cargo space.
L, LE, XLE and Limited trims for the Sienna span a wide range of equipment, depending on whether the buyer wants simple and basic or luxurious. The base L does include most popular equipment such as keyless entry, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, 3-zone air conditioning and a 4-speaker CD sound system. At the top of the range, the Limited adds Smart Key remote keyless system, a power moonroof, heated seats, automatic climate control system, woodgrain trim, a parking-assist system and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface.
Options at the top of the line include a unique dual-view entertainment system that allows rear seat passengers to watch two different programs on one display, navigation satellite radio, HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and radar cruise control.
Available All-wheel Drive
V6 Power
Fuel Economy
Spacious, Comfortable Interior
True Car-like Handling
Choice Of Seating Configurations
For 2013, Toyota has dropped the inline 4-cylinder engine from the Sienna lineup, leaving the 3.5L V6 as the model's sole powerplant. With it goes the CE base trim, leaving the L as the entry model. The LE model gets power adjustable front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a new cloth upholstery. Finally, blind spot monitoring is now offered as an option on LE and XLE trims while coming standard on Limited models.
Toyota's Sienna keeps getting better every year. The current version offers a strong V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Mileage estimates are up to 25 mpg on the highway, and the Sienna is the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive as an option as well as two seating configurations. Even the entry-level L trim includes such comfort options such as keyless entry, three-zone air conditioning and 10 cup holders. Toyota has also engineered a clever 16-inch LCD monitor that allows rear seat occupants to watch two different video programs simultaneously.
