Once
again Toyota has proven it will go the extra mile. Following
a major redesign of its popular Sienna minivan a year ago,
it now basks in a collection of "best" awards
among minivans and trucks. In the spirit of not tampering
with what works, Toyota scarcely changed the Sienna for
'05, merely adding standard power passenger seating for
the up market XLE and XLE Limited models. The major news
for this second year version, however, becomes a price tag
adjustment upwards on all models except the eight-passenger,
entry CE model that lops off $200 for a new $23,374 base
price. Increases on other trim levels range from just under
a percent to nearly 2 percent for the upscale XLE.
With
nine Sienna versions to choose from, what does one get?
Beyond some extra length as a foundation and standard front
drive, there's available AWD on three models, telescoping
steering wheel, and Toyota's "dynamic Laser Cruise
Control." A tire pressure monitor and brake assist
aide in safety. Black lacquer interior trim is strikingly
handsome and third row seats flop into the floor to expand
storage. For dealing with rear seat sibling rivalries, a
flip-down convex "conversation" mirror keeps track
without a need to turn around. (Call it mom's best friend.)
We
found the Sienna; powered by a next generation, 230-horsepower
V-6 with five-speed automatic, handles easily, and is gutsier
than some competitors, but has a taste for premium fuel.
Models range from the base CE to the top-trimmed Limited
AWD with 17-inch run-flat tires. Despite the sticker boosts
(bases now run from $23,225 to $37,495), you also get trendy
amenities for the dollar. And with grocery bag hooks mounted
on just about every available spot, maybe they'll replace
the often-cited cup holder count that for years has helped
define "minivan."
|