Used 2012 Toyota Sienna Minivan Review & Ratings

Toyota's Sienna van first appeared on the scene way back in 1997, replacing the best selling Toyota Previa. The current Series Three Version, released in 2011, has grown considerably in length, height and width as Toyota recognized a demand for a larger family mini-van that could comfortably sit eight passengers.

The Toyota Sienna SUV minivan made exclusively for the North American market at Toyota's plant in Indiana, USA, comes in five separate variants, the Base, LE, XLE and SE (sport) and the top of the range Limited edition.

Both the base and LE variants have a 2.7-liter four cylinder engines fitted as standard capable of generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound per feet of torque paired with a six speed automatic transmission. While these models can upgrade to Toyota's powerful 3.5-liter six cylinder engine producing 266 horsepower and 245 pound of feet of torque, the remaining variations on the Sienna theme come with it as standard, again paired with six speed automatic transmission. In addition, all wheel drive can also be fitted on the LE, XLE and Limited V6 versions of the Toyota Sienna van.

A short inspection of the Sienna's exterior will rapidly announce the message that this family van has the Toyota stamp written all over it. Short in the hood and wide in the body, long but not too much, the Sienna has been custom designed to sit up to eight passengers and all of them in comfort.

Each of the Toyota Sienna Minivan SUV five variations levels, has its own unique external features.

For example, the basic, LE and XLE versions come with grilles that are graphite black with a chrome surround, while the Limited edition's grille is all chrome. Other cosmetic differences are that XLE, SE and Limited edition come with fog lamps. Toyota's design team have really put on a show with the SE that comes with a totally black mesh grille, topped by a front air dam, dramatically darkened chrome as well as a totally and dramatically re-shaped rear apron to leave a lasting impression.

Those who opt for a seven seater version of the Sienna, sacrifice a place in the second row, but get the bonus of two super comfy ( and even declinable) captain's chairs, with lots of leg room and considerably easier access to the third row. The Sienna's eight seater option means settling for a 40/20/40 ratio second-row bench.

Cargo carrying in any variation of the Sienna is a synch with a monumental 150 cubic feet of cargo capacity to be called upon with very little disruption or effort required.