Her and His Reviews
April 2013
2013 Toyota Sienna Ltd. 3.5 L
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| Price: $46,275 as tested | Price: $41,325, with options, $46,275. Lexus, anyone? Seriously, though, for most people this is pretty costly, but remember you can get a well–equipped Sienna costing a lot less, since they start at $26,585. |
| Performance | |
| Simply a joy to drive this family van. With 266 horsepower and the 3.5L engine, this 6 speed vehicle performs very well, responds commandingly, and with the only–in–it's–class All Wheel Drive, it is sensible for those living in four season regions. Power assisted, ventillated rear and front disc brakes. | Ours had a 3.5 liter V–6 that puts out 266 horsepower. It hits 60 in just over seven seconds though, so this is a minivan that hauls in more ways than one. This is decidedly no slouch on the road. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 16 city, 23 highway, 19 overall. About 2–3 miles less per gallon than its competitor, the Nissan Quest 3.5 LE. | The EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. There is a rarely seen elsewhere all–wheel drive model, but if you get it, expect mileage ratings around 16/23/19. |
| The Car | |
| Really, a tremendous vehicle and a nod above all in the class. Rest assured, you will pay for that value and reliability, although, with several less features, the base model (still with a V6 engine) has an MSRP of $26,585. From the moment you get in the vehicle, all touch points are stellar in feel, style, functionality and placement. Toyota, this really is the swagger wagon and for more than one reason ––– not just the fun, funny and family videos that were produced 3 years back. Drive–ability, adjustability (for us moms of all sizes, heights, etc.) and ease is right on.
An eight–passenger transport, the ability and effort to go from a 6 to 7 to 8 seater takes little effort. Ease is the word to use here. Opening the side door? Push a button. Opening the trunk door? Push a button. So it is with the seats. |
If I had to choose one minivan to take on the road, the Sienna would be it. It's comfortable as all get out, has a tremendously flexible interior, is economical, quet, and completely intuitive to operate. And did I mention it's gorgeous? The Sienna is by far the best looking minivan on the road, looking something like a sleek, futuristic luxury liner of the road. It's got its competitors beat by a mile on that score. |
| Safety | |
| I am a sticker for blind spots. It's my biggest pet peave with car designs today. I am all for design language and understand that 'contemporary and forward–thinking' is a moving target, but not at the expense of visibility and driver safety. All the technology in the world doesn't make up for a driver not being able to see 100%. Excuse the digression. What is apparent in the case of the Sienna, is how Toyota headrests are more streamlined, and not as girthy and contoured as others. They also recess, so when no assengers are in the backAlong with the usual gear, you also get blind spot monitor, Safety Connect, front and rear parking sonar, active advanced headrests, brake assist and Smart Stop technology, Toyota's Star Safety System and tons of other good things. However, bear in mind that our tester was the top of the line Limited model, and other models may have a different standard safety features. | Along with the usual gear, you also get blind spot monitor, Safety Connect, front and rear parking sonar, active advanced headrests, brake assist and Smart Stop technology, Toyota's Star Safety System and tons of other good things. However, bear in mind that our tester was the top of the line Limited model, and other models may have a different standard safety features. |
| Technology | |
| Don't worry. You won't lack for anything. The Sienna comes with every goody in the book. Ours came with a long list of standard equipment including traction and stability control, three–zone automatic climate control, full power accessories like steering, brakes, windows and the like, cruise control, dual power sliding side doors and power liftgate, rear spoiler, tilt–telescoping steering wheel feature, anti–lock brakes and a host of other items. Over and above what Sienna has as standard equipment that comes with all models, the Limited also has as no cost features the following: The plush Limited features 18–inch alloy wheels, a satin chrome grille, auto–dimming outside mirrors, dual sunroofs, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, two–tone leather seating, driver memory settings, a leather–and–wood steering wheel, an upgraded 10–speaker JBL surround–sound audio system, second–row lounge seats and a power split–folding third–row seat. By the way, starting this year, won't be able to get a four cylinder Sienna. All Sienna's get the V–6, but frankly, the four was a slug and didn't get much better mileage than the V–6, which has way better acceleration with way better economy. |
Don't worry. You won't lack for anything. The Sienna comes with every goody in the book. Ours came with a long list of standard equipment including traction and stability control, three–zone automatic climate control, full power accessories like steering, brakes, windows and the like, cruise control, dual power sliding side doors and power liftgate, rear spoiler, tilt–telescoping steering wheel feature, anti–lock brakes and a host of other items. Over and above what Sienna has as standard equipment that comes with all models, the Limited also has as no cost features the following: The plush Limited features 18–inch alloy wheels, a satin chrome grille, auto–dimming outside mirrors, dual sunroofs, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, two–tone leather seating, driver memory settings, a leather–and–wood steering wheel, an upgraded 10–speaker JBL surround–sound audio system, second–row lounge seats and a power split–folding third–row seat. By the way, starting this year, won't be able to get a four cylinder Sienna. All Sienna's get the V–6, but frankly, the four was a slug and didn't get much better mileage than the V–6, which has way better acceleration with way better economy. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| See above comments. I think it looks pretty awesome, especially when you get the sportier, ground hugging, alloy wheeled SE model with its ground effects body trim. That's the one that I want! Inside, luxury reigns with the Limited. Looks and feels like a Lexus minivan if there was one. Still, in terms of sheer luxury and cosseting, I'm afraid the Nissan Quest has it beat, though the Quest is nowhere near as pretty on the outside as the Sienna. The interior materials, presentation, and just plain ambiance of the top line Nissan Quest are pretty much in a class by themselves. Sorry, Toyota! Just sayin.' | See above comments. I think it looks pretty awesome, especially when you get the sportier, ground hugging, alloy wheeled SE model with its ground effects body trim. That's the one that I want! Inside, luxury reigns with the Limited. Looks and feels like a Lexus minivan if there was one. Still, in terms of sheer luxury and cosseting, I'm afraid the Nissan Quest has it beat, though the Quest is nowhere near as pretty on the outside as the Sienna. |
| Warranty | |
| Basic, three years/36,000 miles, Drivetrain, five years, 60,000 miles. | Basic, three years/36,000 miles, Drivetrain, five years, 60,000 miles. |
