Acceleration

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4.8

New 266-hp V6 engine provides ample power, even with AWD. Transmission provides prompt, smooth shifts in any situation.

Fuel Economy

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.1

Test AWD XLE averaged 16.4 mpg. Sienna uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Comfortably composed. Large humps and dips induce some body bounce, but suspension irons out most rough pavement. No noticeable difference in ride quality with run-flat tires on AWD models.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
5	4	5	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 w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

At least equal to class-topping Honda and Chrysler/Dodge minivans. Main noise source is moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum. One test model suffered from a loud thumping noise with the 3rd-row seat folded. Wind rush well-contained.

Controls

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5	6	6.2

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. Navigation absorbs most audio controls, complicating what should be simple adjustments. 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 12-volt outlet worked intermittently.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.9

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.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.9

Bench or buckets, 2nd-row seats seem 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 passage.

Cargo Room

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
10	10	10	10	10

Ample. Hideaway 3rd-row seat is split for versatility; sections drop into a floorwell that otherwise holds 12 or more grocery bags. However, folding the 3rd row can be difficult for shorter passengers. 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 models use run-flat tires, delete the spare.

Value within Class

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
8	8	6	6	6.3

This Recommended pick combines good ideas from rival minivans with its own appealing pluses, including first-rate refinement, build quality, and carlike road manners. Be judicious with option selection, as lavishly equipped models can easily top $45,000.

Total Score

AWD LE	XLE	AWD XLE w/nav. sys.	AWD Limited	Class Average
68	67	65	66	61.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		61
High Score		71