Two years ago I raved about cup holders in my review of the Toyota Sienna. My focus for this 2016 Limited Premium AWD model zoned in on safety on a day when snow was forecast.
I planned a road trip with family to northern Colorado believing we would miss the extreme weather. For the most part we did, only encountering below-freezing temperatures and flurries that really weren’t sticking to the road. But then it happened. The best way for us to reach our final destination on the way back was to cross a bridge –an icy bridge. This Texas native didn’t plan for that.
Lucky me. I just so happen to be driving the only minivan in its segment with all-wheel drive. It was not a guarantee that the seven-passenger minivan wouldn’t slide, but that along with the Star Safety System featuring stability and traction control, was enough to move us confidently across the bridge. I gripped the heated leather steering wheel pretty tight, but not from fear, but because it felt good to my fingers. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Also on this drive, I had the opportunity to really utilize the space of this Predawn Gray Mica-colored family van. I had four passengers, three of them well over six feet tall, which I would not have been able to comfortably fit in a compact, sedan or even many SUVs. Second-row captain’s chairs, which were removable, and a third row stow seats was right on time. With everyone racing in and out of the cold often on this trip with various stops, we made great use of the dual power sliding doors and the power lift gate. Even, the dual moonroof produced memorable times, allowing us to watch the flurries fall while we sat warm and cozy inside with heated front seats and enjoyed the entertainment center with 7-inch high-res touch screen and 10 speakers as well as the dual-view Blu-Ray rear entertainment center.
The minivan experience, though often reserved for families when they are two or three kids deep, is really a rewarding experience for anyone planning to enjoy time with family and friends on the road…and a fair share of cupholders.
2016 Toyota Sienna MSRP: $46,410, Combined City/Highway MPG: 19.
