Sometimes it pays to simplify. In the case of the 2013 Toyota Sienna, that action takes the form of its 4-cylinder engine departing the lineup for the new model year. Only available in the 2012 base Sienna and Sienna LE, the 187-horsepower/2.7-liter 4-cylinder had a fairly low take rate, and for a pretty good reason. Forced to cope with propelling roughly 4,300 pounds of people mover around, it was seriously overmatched and earned rather unimpressive 19/24 mpg city/highway EPA ratings compared to the near identical 18/25 mpg marks of the 266-horse/3.5-liter V6 that was standard issue in the up-line Sienna SE/XLE/Limited models.
Beyond the switch to V6 power across the board, the 2013 Sienna family also benefits from a number of new enhancements. The most impressive upgrading is found on the Sienna LE. In addition to new easy-clean fabrics throughout the cabin, its standards roster expands to include an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, 4-way power front-passenger seat and a tri-zone automatic climate control system with cabin air filter and separate rear-seat controls. At the top of the range, the 2013 Sienna Limited boasts a standard Blind Spot Monitor, a safety feature that Toyota is now offering as a standalone option on the SE and XLE. The Sienna also remains the only minivan to offer an all-wheel-drive option, which is available on the LE/XLE/Limited grades.
Pricing for the 2013 Toyota Sienna line ranges from $27,295 for a 7-passenger, front-drive base model to $42,085 for an all-wheel-drive Sienna Limited. Toyota says that, on average, these figures reflect a gain of 1.4 percent from the 2012 Sienna’s Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
