2005 Toyota Sienna: Road Test
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2005 Toyota Sienna ▼
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- MSRP: $23,425 -$37,695
- Invoice: $21,082 -$33,556
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Sienna includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota Sienna from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Sienna, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota Sienna help you decide if a 2005 Toyota Sienna is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Smooth power off the line and around town, but takes a deliberate stab at the throttle to achieve good highway passing response, especially when loaded with passengers. AWD test model clocked 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. No chance yet to time the lighter, front-drive version, but Toyota says it takes 8.3 sec, which seems reasonable based on our experience.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Extended-use AWD XLE Limited averaged 18 mpg over 19,780 mi. in a test heavy on highway driving. No chance yet to measure front-drive versions. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.5 |
Comfortably composed. Large humps and dips induce some body bounce, but suspension irons out most rough pavement. AWD models a tad harsher due to stiffer sidewalls of included run-flat tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Pleasant and competent for a minivan, with well-checked cornering lean, though tire grip seems only adequate and steering is a tad overassisted. Parking ease hampered more by overall length than turning circle, which is relatively tight.
QUIETNESS
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
At least equal to class-topping Honda and Chrysler/Dodge minivans. Main noise source is moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum. V6 audible at full throttle, but not intrusive. Wind rush well-contained given the boxy shape.
CONTROLS
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Clear gauges, guess-free minor controls, though a few switches are scattered out of easy reach. CE/LE climate system uses four simple rotary knobs. XLE and Limited's 3-zone setup adds button clutter, plus a display that's almost illegible in certain light conditions. No chance to test navigation system, but it should be as easy to use as those in other Toyota/Lexus vehicles. Cabin benefits from high-grade plastics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Room aplenty, comfortable seats. Standard seat and steering-wheel adjustments cater to most any size driver. Visibility good, though rear headrests and thick roof pillars are minor over-the-shoulder obstructions. No-strain entry/exit even with AWD, which barely raises step-in height.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Bench or buckets, 2nd-row seats seem long-haul comfortable. The buckets weigh about 55 lb each, aren't too tough to remove or install, and can adjust to form a bench. Adults have good head room without sunroof, OK clearance with. Second-row seats slide fore/aft; leg room gets tight if they're not fully aft. Kid-size 3rd-row bench has firm, short cushion and backrest, is reasonably accessible via 2nd-row seats that double fold to open fairly wide passages. Roof-mounted air ducts serve all rear passengers, a nice touch.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.4 |
Ample, if not class leading. Hideaway 3rd-row seat is split for versatility; sections drop easily into a floorwell that otherwise holds 12 or more grocery bags. All but CE model have fold-flat front-passenger seat for long cargo. A 4x8-ft panel fits with 2nd-row seats removed and 3rd row stowed. Cabin has numerous bag hooks, cargo tie-downs, bins, pockets. Open liftgate clears 6-footer's head. Note: 2WD models store space-saver spare tire below chassis; full-size flat must be transported inside vehicle. AWD versions use run-flat tires, delete the spare.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 5.8 |
Sienna combines good ideas from rival minivans with its own appealing pluses, including first-rate refinement, build quality, and carlike road manners. Prices get steep on loaded models, but that's partly offset by Toyota's strong reputation for reliability and resale. This is an easy Recommended value.
Total Score
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 64 | 62 | 57.8 |
Total Score: 63
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