Ep 21. Toyota Sienna

As one of the longest-running automotive shows on television, MotorWeek has long been a go-to source for drivers seeking reviews, comparisons, and insights on all things auto. And in season 40, episode 21, they've set their sights on the Toyota Sienna.

Throughout the episode, host John Davis and his team of experts put the Sienna through its paces, exploring its various features and capabilities to determine how it stacks up against the competition and what potential buyers can expect from this popular minivan.

Starting with a detailed overview of the Sienna's exterior, the team praises the vehicle's sleek, modern design, noting its large front grille, bold headlights, and curvy body lines that give it a distinct, eye-catching look. They also highlight some of the Sienna's more practical features, such as its oversized side mirrors, wide rear hatch, and available roof racks that make it easy to transport everything from luggage to bikes to camping gear.

Moving inside the Sienna, the team is equally impressed, noting the roomy, comfortable interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers and all their belongings with ease. They highlight features like the optional sunroof, push-button start, and power-sliding doors, which give the Sienna a luxurious feel and make it ideal for families on the go.

Of course, no review of a minivan would be complete without a look at the all-important cargo space, and the Sienna doesn't disappoint in this respect either. The team notes that with all the seats folded down, there's a whopping 87 cubic feet of storage space available, making it ideal for hauling everything from furniture to luggage to home improvement supplies.

But of course, a minivan is more than just an oversized cargo hauler - it's also a vehicle that needs to perform well on the road. Fortunately, the team finds that the Sienna delivers in this regard as well. They praise its smooth ride, responsive handling, and powerful engine that delivers plenty of speed and acceleration when needed. They also note that the Sienna's fuel economy is quite good for a minivan, with an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

In addition to their overall assessment of the Sienna's features and performance, the team also takes a closer look at some of its specific capabilities, such as its towing capacity and safety features. They note that with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, the Sienna is more than capable of hauling everything from boats to trailers, making it a great choice for families who love to camp or explore the great outdoors.

As for safety features, the team praises the Sienna's long list of standard and available safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. They note that the Sienna has received high marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its crashworthiness and overall safety performance.

Overall, the team at MotorWeek gives the Toyota Sienna a resounding thumbs up, praising its spacious, luxurious interior, impressive cargo capacity, and smooth, powerful performance on the road. Whether you're a growing family in need of extra space, an outdoors enthusiast who needs towing capabilities, or just someone who appreciates a top-notch minivan, the Sienna is definitely worth considering. So tune in to season 40, episode 21 of MotorWeek to see for yourself what makes this vehicle such a standout among the competition.