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26 Posts
I know, I know - a minivan. But...I looked at one today (did not test drive)
Sienna pros:
Cons:
In all, it's so much more practical than a crossover that it made the list. It's worth noting that the AWD system gets mixed reviews. From what I can tell the consensus is:
1. The run flat tires are so terrible that they aren't worth keeping even for summer driving.
2. A set of snow tires is a must for areas that experience "real" winter conditions.
3. A true spare tire is a must (once you ditch the run flats, or are using winter tires) - a full sized spare carried in a roof box seems to be a common suggestion.
So the tire / AWD issue isn't a small deal, but I might be willing to go through the contortions to get the benefits of the minivan.
Sienna pros:
- It's huge. If space is what you are looking for, the Sienna is the answer to your prayers. It's so much roomier on the inside - wow.
- The rear seats fold down into the rear cargo area, providing a huge (and low / flat) storage area behind the middle row.
- The cargo area behind the 3rd row is big even when the seats are up. (very tall/deep, in particular)
- Just generally roomy on the inside - getting in and out of the back row is easier than any "mid sized crossover" I have seen.
- Sliding doors - why, oh why, don't crossovers have sliding doors? They are 1. huge 2. great in tight spaces.
- Sun shades in most (all) rear seating positions.
Cons:
- It looks like a minivan. It (probably) drives like a minivan. It's as exciting as a minivan.
- Slightly lower fuel economy.
- Run flat tires (on the AWD versions) - which would mean some work (and expense) on my part to be OK with.
- Interior (on the lower trim) felt fairly cheap.
- Seats weren't very impressive.
- Arm rests in the second row were not height adjustable (maybe only the driver has an adjustable arm rest)
In all, it's so much more practical than a crossover that it made the list. It's worth noting that the AWD system gets mixed reviews. From what I can tell the consensus is:
1. The run flat tires are so terrible that they aren't worth keeping even for summer driving.
2. A set of snow tires is a must for areas that experience "real" winter conditions.
3. A true spare tire is a must (once you ditch the run flats, or are using winter tires) - a full sized spare carried in a roof box seems to be a common suggestion.
So the tire / AWD issue isn't a small deal, but I might be willing to go through the contortions to get the benefits of the minivan.