2006 Toyota Sienna: Road Test
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2006 Toyota Sienna ▼
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- MSRP: $23,625 -$38,080
- Invoice: $21,262 -$33,890
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Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Sienna includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Toyota Sienna from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Sienna, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Toyota Sienna help you decide if a 2006 Toyota Sienna is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Smooth and adequately peppy around town, but highway passing demands full throttle, especially with a sizable load. Test AWD Limited did 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. No chance yet to time lighter front-drive models, but Toyota claims 8.3 sec 0-60--credible based on our experience.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
Extended-use-test AWD Limited averaged 18.0 mpg over 19,780 mi. in mostly highway driving. Test AWD XLEs averaged 17.7-18.1 mpg. Test front-drive XLEs averaged 17.3-18.5 mpg. Toyota recommends 91-octane fuel for Sienna.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Comfortably composed. Large humps and dips induce some body bounce, but suspension irons out most rough pavement. All-wheel-drive models have run-flat tires and ride a tad harsher.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.7 |
Pleasant and competent for a minivan, with moderate cornering lean. Tire grip seems only adequate and steering is a tad overassisted. Turning radius tight, but parking ease hampered by overall length.
QUIETNESS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
At least equal to class-topping Honda and Chrysler/Dodge minivans. Main noise source is moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum. V6 whine audible at full throttle. Wind rush well-contained, given the boxy shape.
CONTROLS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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 three-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 Toyotas. Cabin benefits from high-grade plastics, but some testers say colors and fabrics are drab. Turn signal in one test XLE would not cancel, and a 12-volt outlet worked intermittently.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Room aplenty, comfortable seats. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel allows drivers to tailor comfortable position. Visibility good, though rear headrests and thick roof pillars are minor over-the-shoulder obstructions. No-strain entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Bench or buckets, 2nd-row seats are long-haul comfortable. Buckets can adjust to form a bench. They weigh about 55 lb each, and are cumbersome to remove or install. Adults have good head room without sunroof, OK clearance with. Second-row seats slide fore/aft; leg room gets tight if they're not well aft. Firm 3rd-row bench is kid-size but reasonably accessible, as 2nd-row seats double-fold to open fairly wide passages. Roof-mounted air ducts serve all rear passengers, a nice touch.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.9 |
Ample, if not tops in class. 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 have fold-flat right-front 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 six-footer's head. Note: Front-drive models store a space-saver spare tire below chassis, so a full-size flat must be carried inside. AWD Siennas use run-flat tires, delete the spare.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.3 |
Sienna combines good ideas from rival minivans with its own appealing pluses, including first-rate refinement and build quality, and carlike road manners. Prices get steep on well-equipped models, but that's partly offset by Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale value. This is an easy Recommended choice.
Total Score
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 63 | 60.3 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Minivans
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