2008 Toyota Sienna

Vehicle Overview
Toyota introduced the current, second-generation Sienna minivan for 2004. Optional all-wheel drive and a refined, upscale interior are among its notable traits. There are several new standard safety features for 2008, including an electronic stability system and traction control. The Sienna’s competition includes the redesigned 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, as well as the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage and Nissan Quest.

Siennas are available in four trim levels: CE, LE, XLE and top-of-the-line XLE Limited. All-wheel drive is available on the three upper-end models. The Sienna is the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive, as other automakers have either dropped the option — including Dodge, Chrysler and Chevrolet — or, like Ford, have dropped minivans altogether.

CE and LE minivans come in seven- or eight-passenger configurations.

Exterior
The current Sienna rides a 119.3-inch wheelbase, measures 200 inches long overall and stands 68.9 inches tall. Standard wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but all-wheel-drive models have 17-inch tires. The larger wheels can also be ordered on XLE and XLE Limited models.

Upscale features include puddle lamps and power-folding side mirrors on XLE Limited models. Power sliding doors and a power liftgate are standard on XLE and XLE Limited trims.

Interior
Two second-row seating choices are available. The seven-passenger configuration features second-row captain’s chairs; the passenger-side chair can be moved side to side, permitting either a bench or bucket seat arrangement. For eight-passenger seating, CE and LE models can be equipped with a three-way split-folding bench seat in the second row. In eight-passenger Siennas, a “Front and Center” middle seat can move nearly 13 inches closer to the front seats, making infants in child-safety seats more accessible. Cargo volume totals 148.9 cubic feet behind the front seats and 94.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

A standard 60/40 “Split & Stow” third-row bench seat folds flat into the floor. Either side of the seat can be stowed separately. Available equipment includes laser cruise control, a navigation system with a rearview camera, and sonar-based front and rear parking assistance.

Under the Hood
Toyota’s 3.5-liter V-6, which sees duty across a number of vehicles, makes 266 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque.

A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, as are an electronic stability system and traction control. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats are standard. Also new are rear disc brakes to replace last year’s standard drum brakes.