Toyota Sienna

“boxes on wheels” may not recover from a stigma of being “old school.” But it’s also not an accurate stigma.

Standard active safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning with steering assist. A 360-degree camera system, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are optional. Available entertainment features include a Wi-fi hot spot and a rearseat entertainment system.

The Toyota Sienna also includes the carmaker’s signature Toyota Safety Sense system. It provides front collision mitigation, lane departure warning and other modern driverassist features. Apple Carplay and Amazon Alexa are also offered. Five USB ports are spread through the cabin. Ten cupholders are included with the seven-seat van, 12 with the eight-seater.

Fuel efficiency isn’t the minivan segment’s best trait. Front-wheel Sienna models are rated at 19 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 mpg on the freeway. All-wheel-drive models having ratings of 18 mpg in city driving, 24 mpg on the freeway. The MSRP for the tested all-wheel-drive offering is $46,388.

The Honda Odyssey has a more modern interior and the Chrysler Pacifica is available as a plug-in hybrid. The Sienna doesn’t exactly offer a serene ride. But it’s as comfortable as any minivan, meaning it warrants consideration as a long-haul family transporter. James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free automotive news letter and podcast, both available on his website, www.theweeklydriver.com. Contact James via email: james@ jamesraia.com.