Toyota Sienna

As minivans go, the Sienna is a sensible choice, but it isn't very engaging to drive. The Sienna rides comfortably and is quiet inside, but handling is lackluster. It has a lively 3.5-liter V6 but the new eight-speed automatic doesn't shift as smoothly as the previous six-speed one did. However, the transmission helped improve fuel economy from 20 to 21 mpg. The all-wheel-drive version--the only such minivan on the market--sacrifices 1 mpg. An eighth seat cleverly stores in the back when it isn't installed in place. The availability of all-wheel drive is the Sienna's biggest advantages over any other minivan. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard.

More rakish styling led Toyota to advertise their third-generation Sienna minivan as the 'Swagger Wagon,' in an effort to win buyers who may be wary of a minivan's dowdy image. Bravado aside, this redesign continues to deliver functional family transportation, but some of the previous plushness disappeared. All three rows have plenty of room, with seating for up to eight. Optional second-row lounge chairs even have built-in footrests, but they look more comfortable than they really are. Interior quality and noise isolation took a step back, but the composed ride and refined powertrain remains. Fuel economy from the lively 3.5-liter V6 is a relatively good 20 mpg. Handling is responsive and secure. This version of the Sienna is the only minivan among its competitors to offer all-wheel-drive, at a sacrifice of one mpg. Model year 2015 updates included simplified controls and an updated infotainment system. Advanced safety gear, like forward-collision warning, is optional on high-end trims.

Consider the second-generation Toyota Sienna to be the Lexus of minivans. Its 2004 redesign made the Sienna considerably larger than earlier versions, putting it on par size-wise with the competition. Composed and quiet, the Sienna is more refined than rival minivans. Cabin ambiance matches that of some luxury sedans. Handling is sound and secure but not very agile. All-wheel-drive was an exclusive option; earlier versions had run-flat tires that were prone to fast wear. Power originally came from a refined 3.3-liter V6, while 2007 brought a 3.5-liter V6 with better acceleration and the same 19 mpg overall. AWD subtracts one mpg overall. Front- and middle-row seats are very comfortable; all three rows are easy to access. Stability control was optional on early models, and standard on all-wheel-drive versions. This vital safety feature became standard on all Siennas for 2008.

A replacement for the mid-engine Previa minivan, the more traditionally styled Sienna was introduced for the 1998 model year. Based on the Camry platform, the Sienna has a well-mannered suspension and refined V6 powertrain. In our tests, the Sienna rode quietly and handled competently. The V6 accelerates eagerly, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The front- and middle-row seats are quite comfortable; the rearmost seat is well padded but hard to access. The Sienna offers both left- and right-side sliding doors. Cargo space is tighter than in some competitors, such as the Dodge Grand Caravan. The Sienna is one of our highest-rated minivans.