Technical
There is only one powertrain offered with the Sienna for 2005. It is the
3.3L V6 engine also shared with the Camry SE V6, Lexus RX 330 and ES 330. It puts out 230 hp at 5 600 rpm and 242 lb/ft of torque at 3 600 rpm. The only available transmission is an electronically controlled 5-speed. The CE FWD is the only Sienna equipped with rear drums where as all others get standard 4-wheel discs. Each trim level is available with either a FWD or AWD drivetrain.
On the road
The 3.3L V6 is surprisingly peppy. The last time I tested a vehicle with this engine was the 2005 Toyota Camry SE V6. I do not recall it moving the Camry as effortlessly as it does in the Sienna, especially with the added weight of the AWD system. The 3.3L shines best in the mid-range and pulls firmly up to the redline. It is a bit short on low-end torque; however it is never lacking altogether in sufficient grunt even when loaded. My average fuel consumption hovered slightly above 15L per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada rates the Sienna AWD between 13.0L city and 9.1L highway per 100 km.
The 5-speed automatic transmission is the iffiest part of the minivan. It would often loose itself between gears and get confused. When it did do its job properly, it would willingly kickdown two gears for a quick pass on the highway. Upshifts were smooth overall. The AWD system worked flawlessly. I noticed no substantial delay between the front and rear wheels engaging on slippery surfaces.
The brakes work very well and are responsive, thanks in part to a firmer pedal than what Toyota usually delivers. The pedal is easy to modulate in normal or hard braking circumstances. Steering is light yet communicative enough not to be vague at highway speeds. The turning radius is a tight by comparison 11.2 meters, which means that the van is very manoeuvrable.
The Sienna's drive is very smooth and reasonably well controlled. It does not float over road irregularities nor will it knock your fillings out. It is a happy marriage between comfort and handling, for a minivan of course. I found no rattles during my time behind the wheel.
Safety
The Sienna has standard dual front air bags (side and curtain air bags are
standard with the XLE trim), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the driver and 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the passenger in a frontal impact. It was also awarded 5 out of 5 stars for all passengers in lateral impact. The IIHS has rated it a "Best Pick" and received the highest results in its category.
There is only one powertrain offered with the Sienna for 2005. It is the
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On the road
The 3.3L V6 is surprisingly peppy. The last time I tested a vehicle with this engine was the 2005 Toyota Camry SE V6. I do not recall it moving the Camry as effortlessly as it does in the Sienna, especially with the added weight of the AWD system. The 3.3L shines best in the mid-range and pulls firmly up to the redline. It is a bit short on low-end torque; however it is never lacking altogether in sufficient grunt even when loaded. My average fuel consumption hovered slightly above 15L per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada rates the Sienna AWD between 13.0L city and 9.1L highway per 100 km.
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The brakes work very well and are responsive, thanks in part to a firmer pedal than what Toyota usually delivers. The pedal is easy to modulate in normal or hard braking circumstances. Steering is light yet communicative enough not to be vague at highway speeds. The turning radius is a tight by comparison 11.2 meters, which means that the van is very manoeuvrable.
The Sienna's drive is very smooth and reasonably well controlled. It does not float over road irregularities nor will it knock your fillings out. It is a happy marriage between comfort and handling, for a minivan of course. I found no rattles during my time behind the wheel.
Safety
The Sienna has standard dual front air bags (side and curtain air bags are
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