2008 Toyota Sienna: Road Test
2008 Toyota Sienna ▼
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- MSRP: $24,440 -$37,765
- Invoice: $21,994 -$33,609
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Our road test for the 2008 Toyota Sienna includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Toyota Sienna from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Toyota Sienna, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Toyota Sienna help you decide if a 2008 Toyota Sienna is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Power is ample, even with AWD. The transmission provides prompt, smooth shifts in any situation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD XLE averaged 16.4 mpg. Sienna uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Comfortably composed. Large humps and dips induce some body bounce, but the suspension irons out most rough pavement. AWD models have run-flat tires, but there's no noticeable difference in ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Pleasant and competent for a minivan, with moderate cornering lean. Tire grip seems only adequate and the steering is a tad overassisted. The turning radius is tight, but parking ease is hampered by Sienna's overall length.
QUIETNESS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
At least equal to the class-topping Honda and Chrysler/Dodge minivans. The main noise source is moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum. One test model suffered from a loud thumping noise when the 3rd-row seat was folded. Wind rush is well-contained.
CONTROLS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
The gauges are clear, and minor controls are guess-free. A few switches are scattered and out of easy reach. CE/LE climate systems use 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. The navigation system absorbs most audio controls, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
DETAILS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
The cabin benefits from high-grade plastics, but some of our testers say the colors and fabrics are drab. The turn signal in one test XLE would not cancel, and an auxiliary 12-volt power outlet only worked intermittently.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Room aplenty on comfortable seats. Standard seat and steering-wheel adjustments cater to most any size driver. Visibility is good, though rear headrests and thick roof pillars are minor over-the-shoulder obstructions. No-strain entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
Bench or buckets, the 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 headroom without the sunroof, OK clearance with. Second-row seats slide fore and aft; legroom gets tight if they're not well aft. Firm 3rd-row bench is kid-size but reasonably accessible, as the 2nd-row seats double-fold to open fairly wide passage.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
The 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 a fold-flat right-front seat for long cargo. A 4x8-ft panel fits with 2nd-row seats removed and the 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 the chassis, so a full-size flat must be carried inside. AWD Sienna uses run-flat tires, thereby deleting the spare.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
This Recommended minivan combines good ideas from rivals with its own appealing pluses, including first-rate refinement, build quality, and carlike road manners. Sienna prices are steep for lavishly equipped models, but that's offset somewhat by Toyota's reputation for strong resale value.
Total Score
| AWD LE | XLE | AWD XLE w/navigation | AWD Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 72 | 69 | 70 | 71.2 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Minivans
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