It also wins when loading said parents for a run to the grocer. Call it elder abuse, but I have forced my elderly,
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| I can confidently say that I looked forward to the comfortable, upright driving position and wonderful visibility provided by the Sienna. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
mobility-challenged father into the low-slung cockpit of a Corvette and the high riding cab of a 4WD GMC Yukon XL, neither of which came close to matching the ingress/egress ease offered-up by the Sienna. That's just another example of how the minivan format makes such sense in a world of non-sensible vehicles.All Siennas are equipped with the same smooth-running V6 powerplant, spinning out 230 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. Displacing 3.3 litres (202 cu in) and augmented by variable valve timing, the 24-valve DOHC engine whirls with silky smoothness, while
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| All Siennas are equipped with the same smooth-running V6 powerplant, spinning out 230 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
delivering decent
fuel economy of 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres (18 mpg) in the city and 9.1 litres per 100 kilometers of highway travel (25.8 mpg). Power delivery is linear and sprightly, but not impressive. More than enough punch is on tap for about-town cruising, but I found highway passing less than enthusiastic. Then again, at 1,955 kg (4,310 lb), the Sienna is no lightweight for its V6 engine to toss about like a sports coupe. It's also no featherweight to stop, but the four-wheel antilock discs were up to the task. Braking ability is impressive and easily modulated by a pedal I sensed to be overly mushy for my liking.
