Shaped like a van, handles like a car
Toyota working hard to keep minivan relevant
Some of the fondest memories I have involve riding in the back of my family’s Pontiac station wagon.
With seating for nine, there was always room for friends and all of their chattels.
Unfortunately, the station wagon’s days were numbered, as Chrysler kicked off the era of the minivan in 1983. Toyota soon followed with its first effort, simply named the Toyota Van; GM and Ford entered the fray the following year.
Manufacturers loved the minivan as it was relatively cheap to produce, using many existing components.
Consumers liked it because it was a vehicle with a large amount of room, but a rather small footprint. At present, Chrysler dominates the minivan segment.
Toyota is the No. 2 player in the van segment, but this may be by design. Instead of offering strippeddown fleet fillers, the Japanese automotive giant has decided to equip the popular Sienna with an impressive list of standard features.
The 2014 Toyota Sienna XLE is the company’s top tier model with a full complement of luxury amenities and technological accessories. It can be ordered with all-wheel drive.
The 3.5-litre V6 engine produces a generous 266 horsepower and 245 pound- feet of torque. Mated to the company’s proven six-speed automatic transmission, this combination will quickly, and quietly, hustle this spacious people hauler to highway speeds with ease.
The Sienna can be ordered with either a seven-, or eight-passenger layout. My test vehicle was the former, and featured a pair of captain’s chairs in the second-row position, and three seats in the rear.
One look at the quality of the fit-and-finish, luxurious appointments, and impressive array of instruments fitted to the Sienna, and it is evident that minivans have come a long way in 30 years.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is very good, as the hood quickly falls away and the tall windows and large mirrors help optimize situational awareness. The Sienna also comes fitted with a backup camera.
The Sienna’s handling dynamics akin to those of a passenger car.
Steering feel is communicative, although overly assisted, but you will appreciate the help navigating through tight urban streets. The brakes inspired confidence, as response was quick and effortless, and stopping distances were commendable for a vehicle this size.
The ride is comfortable, and the suspension and chassis did an excellent job of isolating the cabin from bumps and jolts. Occupants will be able to converse with ease.
The serene environment makes for an excellent place to watch a movie on the optional widescreen rear entertainment system, or listen to your favourite musical selection on the premium audio system.
The rear compartment is accessed via a pair of remote-operated sliding doors. Ingress and egress is a breeze, as the Sienna benefits from a low step-in height and tall roofline, backed up by plenty of grab handles. Once planted in the comfy captain’s perch, a subtle tug on the door handle will initiate the auto close function. The second row seats in the XLE offer lounge seating and an abundance of legroom. The third row bench is a little firm, and three adults might find it a little confining.
Should you find the need to haul cargo rather than passengers, the two captain’s chairs can be removed, and the rear bench (which is a 60/40 split design) can quickly be folded into the cargo recess to create a flat floor.
The wide rear hatch can be opened and closed using the remote, which makes life a lot easier when you are handling luggage or wrangling a pack of wild kids.