A self-improvement regimen keeps this aging entry surprisingly fit.
In the face of fresher competition from Chrysler and a new version of the Honda Odyssey, the Toyota Sienna remains a popular choice, as Toyota’s well-earned reputation for reliability is a compelling notion for buyers of a hard-use vehicle like a minivan. There’s also the fact that Toyota has strived to keep the Sienna in the hunt.
For 2017, that effort takes the form of a new powertrain. The Sienna’s 3.5-liter V-6 is a familiar size and configuration, but this engine is all-new. Swiped from the Highlander, the engine can switch between the typical Otto cycle and the fuel-sipping Atkinson cycle, and it also employs port and direct fuel injection (sometimes simultaneously) as needed. Despite the high-tech features, it’s still happy to drink regular fuel. The new V-6 pairs with an eight-speed automatic that’s a worthy upgrade from the previous six-speed. Eight forward ratios may not make any headlines next to the Pacifica’s nine-speed gearbox and the 2018 Odyssey’s nine- and 10-speed units, but the Sienna’s transmission is pretty adept at choosing the right ratio, something that can’ t always be said of the Pacifica.
With the new powertrain, the Sienna is good for an EPA-rated 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, as on our test example (all-wheel drive lowers the city number by 1 mpg and knocks 3 off the highway figure) .
