By KBB.com Editorial Staff
KBB Expert Rating:
The 2013 Toyota Sienna is a large people mover with impressive tech and safety features, good fit and finish and a strong engine. These add up to make the Sienna a confident competitor to its longtime rival the Honda Odyssey as well as the revamped Nissan Quest. The 2013 Sienna now comes standard with a relatively fuel-efficient V6 and can be had in 7- or 8-passenger configurations. With five trims available, cabins vary from pragmatic to something that can feel like a luxury liner. The Sienna is the only minivan in its class to offer traction-enhancing all-wheel-drive, a plus for those who drive in inclement weather. The Sienna also stands out for its ability to hold value.
If good looks, ample storage space, comfortable amenities and all-wheel-drive are important to you in a van, the Toyota Sienna has a good chance of finding a place in your heart and driveway.
If spending the least amount of money is one of your priorities in buying a new minivan, you may want to look at the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan; With a starting price of around $21,500, it's more than $5,700 less than a base Sienna. But keep in mind that the long-term resale value of a Grand Caravan is also much less than a Sienna.
What's New for 2013
The base 4-cylinder engine that struggled to move a fully-loaded Sienna has been dropped for 2013, with the better V6 now standard. Blind-spot monitoring is standard on Limited models and available on SE and XLE trims. The system also features a new cross-traffic alert system for extra precaution when backing up.
Driving Impressions The 2013 Toyota Sienna feels more powerful than expected, with its 266-horsepower V6 engine having no trouble getting this van up to speed, even when the vehicle is equipped with...
all-wheel-drive. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth and refined. Overall ride quality in the 2013 Toyota Sienna is comfortable, but road noise is still evident. Rearward visibility to the left and right can be impaired, making the available blind-spot monitoring system a welcome feature. The front seats are comfortable and easily adjustable to fit a variety of body types. The SE model has a sport-tuned suspension and rides on 19-inch wheels for better handling and a more engaging driving experience.ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
As the only minivan in the segment able to put power to all four wheels, this option is the one to have if you regularly find yourself regularly driving in snowy or slick conditions.
2ND-ROW LOUNGE SEATING.
The pair of leather-trimmed captain's chairs available in XLE and Limited versions of the 2013 Sienna are a treat for second-row passengers. In Limited models, the seats have a "long-slide" feature that makes them feel more akin to a living-room recliner complete with footrests.
Interior
There is plenty of room for passengers and cargo in the 2013 Toyota Sienna. The minivan can be configured with bench seats in the second and third rows in order to accommodate up to eight people total, or with captain's chairs in the second row to hold seven. Third-row passenger room is commendable but, as with the second-row, legroom is less than that of the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. Cargo capacity behind the third-row seat, however, is greater than those rivals; at 39.1 cubic feet, Toyota says there's sufficient cargo space for five golf bags or four large suitcases – even with all seats in use. The third row stows flat for additional room. Driver ergonomics are good, but the dash is rather bland and plastic parts are prominent.
Exterior
Swoon-inducing looks usually aren't at the top of the list for minivan buyers and, while the 2013 Sienna isn't likely the change that, its sheetmetal is comfortably inoffensive. The Sienna has a mildly athletic, forward-leaning stance. A svelte beltline runs the length of each side, effectively splitting the vehicle and preventing it from looking bloated. SE models, which aim to be sportier, sit a bit lower and ride on bigger, 19-inch wheels. The Sienna SE also features smoked taillights and, for a visually lower stance, side skirting.
A base 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan comes with 3-zone air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary jack and four speakers, cruise control, keyless entry and eight cup holders (six on 7-passenger models). The standard Star Safety System includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and Toyota's Smart Stop Technology, which helps halt the vehicle even if the accelerator is depressed. LE models add dual power-sliding doors and tri-zone automatic climate control. SE models have larger wheels and sport-tuned suspension. XLE models add leather seats and power liftgate, and top-line Limited trims have blind-spot monitoring, dual moonroofs and a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system.
Two navigation systems are available on the Toyota Sienna. One is an older-style, DVD-based version with integrated backup camera and 7-inch screen, and the other is Toyota's newer Entune system, available on LE, SE and XLE trims. Entune uses a smaller, 6.1-inch screen, but it has upgraded voice recognition and the ability to run mobile apps that can provide information on movie times, fuel prices and restaurants. Other options include all-wheel-drive, a 16.4-inch display for entertaining rear passengers, blind-spot monitoring, dynamic-cruise control and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights.
With the discontinuation of the old 4-cylinder engine, all 2013 Toyota Siennas now use a 3.5-liter V6 that makes a robust 266 horsepower and delivers up to 25 mpg. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The only transmission is a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. The 2013 Sienna's towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
3.5-liter V6
266 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
245 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)
A base, 2013 Toyota Sienna L has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $27,000. On the other end of the Sienna spectrum, a fully-loaded all-wheel-drive Limited model can run past $49,000. The Sienna's base price is lower than that of a Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Town & Country, nearly the same as a Nissan Quest and higher than a Dodge Grand Caravan. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others are actually paying for the 2013 Sienna in your area. Down the road, the Toyota Sienna is expected to have high resale value.
Based on 53 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy Big Bob (CT) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
I don't own this car
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Space, visibility, smooth drive"
Cons: "Tough to fit in garage, run flat tires"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I own a 2008 Toyota Sienna and love it! I didn't want to get a minivan because of the "not cool" minivan image. I caved into taking a test drive at my wife's prodding expecting to have a dozen reasons why we shouldn't buy it. After the test drive I was sold hook line and sinker. The visibility is awesome and it drives so smoothly. I'm 6'7" and have plenty of room in the front seats. We have a family of 5 and go on camping and ski trips where we have so much room to pack everything we need. We have 67k miles without any problems. The only thing I really didn't like were the run flat tires. They would wear out twice as fast as normal tires and were twice the cost to replace. We ended up getting rid of the tires and bought four new ones but have to keep an actual tire in the trunk for the spare. Hopefully they got rid of the run flats on the newer models."
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By Beth (OR) on Wednesday, February 06, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "drives great, great options, the room!"
Cons: "expensive new, but worth it!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"What a great way to get extra space and still have luuxury! The Toyota minivan is the only minivan in the ISA that is sold with an All-Wheel-Drive option. It has so many luxurious options that make it wonderful. It is so great with kids. I would recommend this to anyone. I plan to keep mine for a very long time!"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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