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2009 Toyota Sienna Performance Review

February 23, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

there's no denying the potency of the new V6 when you step into it
Edmunds

if choosing a minivan came down to the powertrain, this Toyota would be a slam-dunk
Car and Driver

strong off-the-line acceleration
Kelley Blue Book

The 2009 Toyota Sienna bland styling hides a very robust engine and transmission that reviewers love, paired with handling that that can be best described as "laid back."

The enthusiast family man/woman needs some excitement, and surprisingly the Sienna delivers in straight-line acceleration. The 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 features dual variable valve timing for the best of low-end torque and high-end power. Its 266 horses and 245 pound-feet of torque make it “the strong, silent type, rushing to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds” by Car and Driver’s stopwatch. Kelley Blue Book attests the engine “delivers where it counts,” and Edmunds admits “there's no denying the potency of the new V6 when you step into it.” Despite its athletic acceleration, the Sienna offers competitive EPA ratings of 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; all-wheel-drive models drop to 16/21 mpg.

The only transmission offered is a five-speed automatic, which is generally praised for the smooth, responsive way it plants the V-6’s power to the ground. Regarding this marriage of engine and transmission, Car and Driver concludes, “if choosing a minivan came down to the powertrain, this Toyota would be a slam-dunk.” Edmunds complains that the Sienna’s “automatic transmission is calibrated more for fuel economy than performance and thus tends to shift conservatively,” probably appropriate for a minivan as well as for economy. Kelley Blue Book, however, contends the transmission “makes the most of the engine's torque curve before seamlessly shifting to the next gear.”

Handling, however, is nothing to get excited about, and that keeps pulses from quickening too much. Even the matter-of-fact reviewers over at ConsumerGuide note that “tire grip seems only adequate and the steering is a tad overassisted.” The hotfoots at Car and Driver fault “the generally aloof responses of the controls. The brakes feel wooden…the steering lacks sharpness.” On a positive note, those brakes are four-wheel discs, unlike the previous-generation Sienna, which makes do with drums on the rear. And despite its front-wheel drive, the Sienna manages “a tidy turning circle of 36.8 feet…the envy of several passenger cars,” claims Car and Driver. “The Sienna offers little inspiration in the handling department,” sums up Edmunds, noting that it “feels secure enough” but offers “minimal steering feedback and considerable body roll,” as well as brake pedal feel that is “too soft.”

Conclusion

Most families will find exactly what they need here: confident passing power, and generally safe but unexciting performance otherwise.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:there's no denying the potency of the new V6 when you step into itEdmundsif choosing a minivan came down to the powertrain, this Toyota would be a slam-dunkCar and Driverstrong off-the-line accelerationKelley Blue Book The 2009 Toyota Sienna bland styling hides a very robust engine and transmission that reviewers love, paired with handling that that can be best described as "laid back." The enthusiast family man/woman needs some excitement, and surprisingly the Sienna delivers in straight-line acceleration. The 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 features dual variable valve timing for the best of low-end torque and high-end power. Its 266 horses and 245 pound-feet of torque make it “the strong, silent type, rushing to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds” by Car and Driver’s stopwatch. Kelley Blue Book attests the engine “delivers where it counts,” and Edmunds admits “there's no denying the potency of the new V6 when you step into it.” Despite its athletic acceleration, the Sienna offers competitive EPA ratings of 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; all-wheel-drive models drop to 16/21 mpg. The only transmission offered is a five-speed automatic, which is generally praised for the smooth, responsive way it plants the V-6’s power to the ground. Regarding this marriage of engine and transmission, Car and Driver concludes, “if choosing a minivan came down to the powertrain, this Toyota would be a slam-dunk.” Edmunds complains that the Sienna’s “automatic transmission is calibrated more for fuel economy than performance and thus tends to shift conservatively,” probably appropriate for a minivan as well as for economy. Kelley Blue Book, however, contends the transmission “makes the most of the engine's torque curve before seamlessly shifting to the next gear.” Handling, however, is nothing to get excited about, and that keeps pulses from quickening too much. Even the matter-of-fact reviewers over at ConsumerGuide note that “tire grip seems only adequate and the steering is a tad overassisted.” The hotfoots at Car and Driver fault “the generally aloof responses of the controls. The brakes feel wooden…the steering lacks sharpness.” On a positive note, those brakes are four-wheel discs, unlike the previous-generation Sienna, which makes do with drums on the rear. And despite its front-wheel drive, the Sienna manages “a tidy turning circle of 36.8 feet…the envy of several passenger cars,” claims Car and Driver. “The Sienna offers little inspiration in the handling department,” sums up Edmunds, noting that it “feels secure enough” but offers “minimal steering feedback and considerable body roll,” as well as brake pedal feel that is “too soft.” ConclusionMost families will find exactly what they need here: confident passing power, and generally safe but unexciting performance otherwise.  2009 TOYOTA SIENNA STYLING | [6 out of 10] MyRide.com: “we find the basic shape … appealing” Kelley Blue Book: “smartly styled” Edmunds: “spacious cabin is handsomely fitted” When it comes to styling, minivans can’t get a break. They are designed to carry maximum amount of ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Honda Odyssey is the closest rival to the Toyota in terms of reliability, but it outshines the Sienna in driving pleasure. The Chrysler Town & Country is the most recently updated of the group, and its styling and features—along with its Dodge Grand Caravan sibling—include more innovative seating options. The Hyundai Entourage has surprisingly good performance and is one of the best values in the group. For those determined to have a roomy minivan that’s at least a little stylish, the Nissan Quest is the choice. One thing that the Sienna has that none of these competitors offer is all-wheel drive.

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See the Toyota Sienna in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

Comments (2 total)

  1. By dsh #1, Posted: 6/15/2009

    Looks like the only "real" difference between the LE and XLE is the optional features...

  2. By sonnyhung #2, Posted: 9/14/2009

    The only thing that was a deal maker for my wife when we checked the LE versus the XLE was the 2nd & 3rd row built-in shades. They are not available on the LE in any option package. I think if we purchased the parts we could install it but not as an option. We had to purchase the XLE ;-)

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