Used 2013 Toyota Sienna

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)