2015 Toyota Sienna SE

Minivans are making a comeback. There are now enough folk who realize that a crossover is inherently a compromise, and that a sliding door-equipped, 6-8 passenger monobox is a much more practical conveyance for a family. But cool still rules so Toyota makes the sportier, SE version of the Sienna to temp those sitting on the fence. Body addenda and big gray wheels do their part to make this beast more appealing visually; if said rims actually filled the arches the effect might be more effective.

Inside the Sienna has undergone its first makeover and many of the previously horrid, hard interior plastics of the older model have been replaced by much more palatable ones. From below the comfy armrests the old moldings match up poorly with the new, but lots of contrast stitch distracts the casual eye. The center console is logically laid out but aesthetically unappealing, and the corporate infotainment system is good but for its ability to properly work with Apple devices, which a few of us have these days. Seating is very comfy and generously sized for all, and cargo room makes a mockery of most crossovers’ carrying capacity.

This refreshed model is very structurally sound—especially compared to the class’ other two best offerings, the Honda Odyssey and Kia Sedona—thanks to more spot welds and work done to the body shell. Sienna’s center storage console dumps your stuff into the second row area if you use all the juice the 3.5-liter V6 has, and it really does have plenty of thrust, despite being rated at only 245lb-ft of torque. But then this wonderfully smooth Toyota motor has always felt like it cranks out more than the 266 ponies they say it has, and it will yank the whole shebang to 60mph in only 7.6 seconds, whilst almost wrenching the steering wheel from you hands at the same time in this front wheel drive model (there is an AWD Sienna too). Fuel economy is a class-average 16-17mpg in urban use. The ride/handling balance is excellent for a vehicle that will see such variability in the number of people onboard; it rides quite well yet handles with more than enough aplomb to scare the kiddies—or turn them on to motorsports for the rest of their days.

EPA ratings: 18/25mpg; 21mpg combined
Price as tested: $41,293
Here is what Toyota has to say.

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