• 2013

• 2012 Toyota Sienna

• Used Toyota Sienna
• Repairs Toyota Sienna

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Toyota Sienna U.S. News Best Cars 8.6
Critics' Rating:	9.2
Performance:	8.6
Interior:	8.5
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Only minivan with available AWD
• Lots of options and price points
• Available V6 engine is smooth, powerful and efficient

• Upper trims get expensive
• Four-cylinder engine can be sluggish

Research Other Years

• 2013 Toyota Sienna
• 2011 Toyota Sienna
• 2010 Toyota Sienna
• 2009 Toyota Sienna
• 2008 Toyota Sienna
• 2007 Toyota Sienna

Almost every reviewer who test drives the 2012 Toyota Sienna wholeheartedly recommends it.

In a class that’s extremely competitive, most test drivers say the 2012 Toyota Sienna is your best bet. Redesigned just last year, the Sienna has a comfortable interior with lots of cargo space and innovative features, like a split-screen DVD player and second row lounge chairs, that families should love. Available all-wheel drive and a choice between a four- or six-cylinder engine lets owners tailor the Sienna to their needs. With five trims, the Sienna works as both a family car that won’t suck college funds dry, and a near-luxury hauler for pampered kids who’ll use their trust funds to pay for college.

As the minivan market has shrunk, only the top rivals are left in it. That means that almost any minivan you buy will serve you well. However, if you want a van that’s managed to stay ahead of a very competitive pack, reviewers recommend the 2012 Toyota Sienna.

Other Minivans to Consider

Though it has a higher starting price than the Sienna, reviewers say that the next best van on the market is the Honda Odyssey. Like the Sienna, the Odyssey has an extremely useable interior, but several reviewers say that even the base trims of the Odyssey outdrive the Sienna. If you want more driver engagement in your minivan and can pay more to get it, the Odyssey is your best choice.

If you frequently haul more cargo than people, the Sienna will work, but to fit the most cargo in you’ll have to remove and store its second-row seats. Thought not as good all-around as the Sienna, reviewers say that either the Chrysler Town & Country or the Dodge Grand Caravan, which both have second row seats that fold into the floor, are better at handling lots of cargo.

Details: Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna was redesigned for 2011, so changes for 2012 are minimal. There are five trims available on the 2012 Sienna: base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. Base and LE models are available with the four-cylinder or V6 engines, while XLE, Limited and SE models come only with the V6. SE models are differentiated by sporty exterior touches, and recalibrated steering and suspension tuning for a sportier driving experience.

• "This is the best minivan out there." -- AutoWeek
• "There's something for everyone with five different trim levels, two different engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and even a sport-tuned SE edition. Yep, Toyota thinks the world is ready for a sporty minivan." -- Autoblog
• " . . . simply the best value in minivans sold today." -- Edmunds