Used 2019 Toyota Sienna

The 2019 Toyota Sienna moves into its latest model year as the one minivan to offer all-wheel drive, a distinction it’s held for a long time. During that period, the Sienna has evolved into superior transport for families and their paraphernalia, more practical than a crossover SUV or a wagon. It can seat up to eight and the interior is versatile enough to handle anything from furniture to surfboards. The Sienna comes in five trim levels to suit a range of budgets, demands and tastes. Its exterior design is arguably more conservative than rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, but no one usually chooses a minivan to make style statements.

When there’s a minivan full of people and/or stuff, it’s always good to have that smooth, reliable and muscular 296-horsepower V6 up front, especially during overtaking or tackling uphill stretches. When it’s just the driver present, that thrust can also be somewhat entertaining, although the Sienna’s chassis is generally built for comfort more than agility. The exception being the SE trim, whose 19-inch wheels and sportier suspension provide a little more feedback and precision. Although there is a noticeable rise in the level of road and tire noise creeping into the otherwise serene cabin.

It’s all about the space, which accommodates three rows of seating for eight occupants or, with the optional 2nd-row captain’s chairs, seven. The range-topping Limited models only have seating for seven (with extra-plush 2nd-row seating), likewise those versions with all-wheel drive. The 2019 Sienna provides four LATCH points for child safety seats, plenty of nooks and crannies up front for devices and bags, plus ample cargo space behind the third row. Fold down both rows, with the second row placed as far forward as possible, and cargo area expands to 117.8 cubic feet. Removing the 2nd-row seats (they’re heavy and somewhat awkward) opens things up to 150 cubic feet.

In SE trim, the 2019 Sienna goes for 19-inch alloy wheels, smoked headlights and low-level spoilers at both ends. The rest of the range is a little less detailed, which can be a positive or a negative, depending on personal taste. The doors are nice and big, as they need to be, for easy entry and exit. Something like the Honda Odyssey might be more visually interesting, but the Sienna’s lines and shapes go exactly where they need to. The large glass areas help to provide excellent outward vision.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
It’s odd, frankly, that other companies don’t also offer all-wheel drive in their minivans. It’s an affordable boon for those who live where winter strikes hard, offers extra reassurance and is no doubt worth the slight hit in fuel economy.

MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Passengers requiring mobility assistance will really appreciate these optional features for the Toyota Sienna. They include the factory-installed Auto Access Seat, which is a power-operated chair bringing easier 2nd-row access, plus an aftermarket wheelchair ramp.

The 2019 Sienna minivan comes in L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited trims. The basic 7-seater L has the Toyota Safety Sense array of features (forward-collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, intelligent cruise control, automatic high beams and road-sign recognition), plus tri-zone climate control, infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. LE brings power-sliding side doors, power-adjustable driver’s seat, an upgraded infotainment setup and easy-clean seating fabric. All 2019 Siennas come with Toyota Care, covering two years/25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

For more equipment, buyers should explore the higher trims of the 2019 Sienna. For example, a power tailgate, simulated and real leather upholstery, navigation, moonroof, push-button start, and Driver Easy Speak. This last feature feeds the driver’s voice through the rear speakers to really get the kids’ attention. The Limited trim includes a JBL audio setup with a 10-inch subwoofer, while a Blu-ray/DVD rear-seat entertainment system with HDMI inputs and two power outlets is also available. Blind-spot monitoring is among the extra safety features. All-wheel drive can’t be specified for the basic L trim.

A 3.5-liter V6 propels the 2019 Sienna with a respectable 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque — achieved with regular gasoline and managing similarly respectable (but not class-leading) fuel economy. An 8-speed automatic transmission directs that energy to either the front wheels (FWD) in standard form, or to all four if the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is chosen. With either layout, the Toyota Sienna is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

3.5-liter V6
296 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
263 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (FWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)