You get a cup holder! You get a cup holder! Everybody gets a cup holder! You and Oprah get the point. I counted 10 of them strategically placed in the 2014 Toyota Sienna Limited that seats seven people. It’s always nice to get more than you are expecting in a new ride, especially when the extras deliver a measure of comfort and luxury to you and your passengers.
This 3.5-liter V6 engine minivan features a number of mechanical and performance components including the ECT-I (electronically controlled auto overdrive transmission with intelligence) and Star Safety System’s enhanced vehicle stability and traction control, making this Sienna as maneuverable as a quality sedan with oomph! The Sienna is touted as the only minivan in its class that offers available all-wheel drive. Smooth turns and stops.
If you’ve begrudgingly given up your sports car or sedan for a vehicle to accommodate a growing family, you will appreciate that the Sienna’s designers were thinking of you and how you can maintain a sense of style. On carpool duty? You will be the rock star of the neighborhood when you ease up to the curb in this 6-speed minivan that comes in various colors such as predawn gray mica.
While driving this Sienna, I found the dash board and multi-purpose console extremely convenient and helpful. Of all the cool information on the dash, the “distance to empty” detail was my favorite. Just under the dash between the driver and passenger seats is a storage space that almost blends in with the floor. Think about a place for holding big purses, fast food bags or items you don’t want sliding under your feet. The console features a non-slip surface for your cell phone or iPod and extra storage underneath. Part of this console also slides toward the back, serving up what else but cup holders for your second-row passengers.
The six-disc CD changer comes standard. Upgrade your entertainment options to a Limited Premium Package and get a CD – DVD combo, enabling your passengers to watch a movie on an overhead drop-down screen with wireless headsets at the same time you’re listening to CDs. Think of the peace you’ll bring with these unique entertainment options.
In and out of the car a lot, you’ll appreciate the convenience and safety of the dual power sliding side doors with child proof latch and power lift gate. Want to steal a few minutes to yourself at the park after carpool duty? It will be the perfect opportunity to experience the second-row lounge seats with ottoman while viewing a beautiful blue sky through the dual moon roof. By the way the seats are also removable. The features of the Sienna are endless.
From the front to the back, the interior offers a world of space – leg room, shoulder room, you name it. You got it. Did I mention the 60-40 split third-row seats stow easily into the floor creating extra room for storage.
Very little disappointment with the Sienna, just a little jealousy from my front seat passenger. The eight-way power driver’s captain’s chair offers adjustable lumbar support. The four-way power passenger captain’s chair does not. What’s a driver to do? After all, they have access to their own cup holder – two actually.
MSRP: $41,710.MSRP City/Highway: 16/23.
