2014 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD DETAILED Review and Road Test

[@taipeiracer]

This has got to be the best car review video ever.

[@bennyang8049]

I just bought a 2014 limited AWD sienna and I love it. Took it on a 2900 miles road trip and it was a very comfortable long distance tourer. I made sure to change all the fluids and brake pads before going. I love it I love those middle row captain chairs with ottomans

[@JamieNotLamie]

Are they comfortable for kids? Am considering one for sure..

[@bennyang8049]

@@JamieNotLamie yes they are. Plenty of room for kids to swap seats and have ice cooler/chest for food inside the van within reach

[@American_Energy]

This really is an exceptional car review, I was actually worried you'd be talking slowly with too much fluffy rhetoric, but you kept the pace up and stuck to the facts, well done. Overall, I'd prefer the Honda Odyssey if it weren't for the AWD issue. I live in an area where you either need to chain up or have AWD / 4WD every winter, and this is the only model that has that capability.

[@cgrscott]

This is a helpful review since I'm considering a used 2014 Sienna in 2019.

[@tscooter22]

I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've stumbled onto one of your reviews. I've gotta say, VERY impressive. /subscribed

[@HFIntegrale]

Great information, and perfect pace of delivery. Articulated and to the point, no wasted lined or breaths. Excellent review.

[@whitewaterkayaker]

I purchased the 2015 Highlander AWD Limited Platinum and I totally agree with your comparison between it and the Sienna. I only have two kids, and your reasoning about only sometimes using the 3rd row was exactly what I thought too. It's a big reason why I ended up with the Highlander. Another factor, as you mentioned, was MSRP. A fully decked out Limited Platinum cost 45k, 2k below the MSRP of the Sienna in your video. Finally, the interior and exterior of the Highlander is much nicer than the Sienna, in my opinion too. There are a lot more soft touch surfaces in the Highlander and inside seems more up to date vs the 2014 Sienna. The 2015 Sienna Limited AWD corrects a lot of the above mentioned deficiencies, but as you said, it really boils down to personal choice - I don't think anyone will argue that both the Highlander and Sienna are great family vehicles. To me, choosing between a Chrysler and Toyota is an easy decision. The reliability factor of the Toyota would always lead me to pick it over a Chrysler product any day of the week. Chrysler might be cheaper, but you'll pay a lot more for repairs over the long run. I think either way, you're out the same amount of cash - pay a little more up front for reliability with the Toyota or pay about the same in repairs with the Chrysler plus being without a ride while it's in the shop.

[@DreadlockDrummer]

i never understood why people hated mini vans so much. they're extremely practical, and i think you get a lot more in a mini van than you do in one of those cross over 3 row suv's. and from what i've seen mini van third rows seem to have way more space than an suv third row.

[@all_mine1233]

I love minivans

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

+All_mine123 same I love too

[@duffgreen4811]

Is it bad I'm 12 and this is my dream car?

[@lekikelekona9809]

People have insecurities or they're not mature enough to comprehend the utility and practicality of a minivan due to people being worried of their image. It's a shame really.

[@HFIntegrale]

@@lekikelekona9809 That's exactly it.

[@jlo6388]

This was the greatest review of all time.

[@scott8919]

Love the details you out into your review, like mentioning the gas door/sliding door feature. That is so clever.

[@davidc.5197]

Alex thanks for another great review. Anytime I'm interested in a car I always look to see if Alex has done a review on it. He's the best in the business.

[@robgindc1]

Appreciate the detailed & objective review. One missed detail: sport transmission mode on AWD Siennas locks power into 50/50 distribution and locks rear electronic differential. Considering this as a light over landing camper vehicle, looking forward to your review of '17+ Sienna with updated (296hp/8 speed) power train. Thanks again for being so thorough.

[@oldshumi]

That is the best and most detailed review of Sienna I have seen. Thank you

[@stephanematis]

My good buddy Dave drives an older, but same design, Sienna, and his driving style is something I refer to as "driving like Kojak". I'm always impressed how versatile this family hauler is.

[@haradbl]

Great review. My family liked the Sienna more than the Town & Country, but those fold in the floor 2nd row seats ultimately made our decision. We don't regret it as we use that feature often.

[@water892]

My parents have owned a Honda Odyssey and they currently own a Toyota Sienna. The Sienna is a 2009 model and the Odyssey is a 1998. Even though the year difference is a lot, even the old Odysseys had better seats than the Sienna. Overall the Sienna is good, it's just the seats make your lower back hurt after a while.

[@danario97]

Minivans are better than 3 row SUV. More storage room, standard V6, more comfortable seats.

[@pekadokasa9016]

טויוטה סיני 2013 8 מקומות יד שניי

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

Why do they have to be so damn ugly. We have FWD based crossovers. They can at least try to do something on the front.

[@vadimnesen8060]

@@vernonpaigejr.1517 It's just hard to do. Look at the new kia carnival... Has a SUV front end and for some reason the body looks long and weird. I don't think theres a way to make a minivan look like a SUV. Funny how people in other countries look at our SUVs and say the same thing you say

[@ngb802]

Another great review I love when u make these very detailed reviewed! Keep up the good work !

[@ramonesparza8707]

2 thumbs up on the review. Probably the best in depth review I've ever watched.

[@BIGWEBB88]

I'm no fan of minivans but this is pretty cool. I also like how the second row sunroof opens

[@AnsrMax]

Totally honest take on the Chrysler twins being better value. Being in the Midwest AWD was a must on my list. Besides a liveable 3rd row. I tried numerous crossovers and the sienna. The GMC lambda twins won me over with the best 3rd row, IMHO better than the sienna. And the least NVH. For it's price this minivan is way too noisy at freeway speed.

[@angelsordevils]

Amazing and informational reviews as usual. Thank you Alex on Autos. Please continue to review vehicles as much as possible.

[@micakpan3]

Awesome review, detailed and in-depth. No dull moment. Thumbs up to you

[@AbsoluteMdot]

I would totally buy this van!

[@campampates]

what a kickass review and van

[@patriot8087]

Excellent review, as always Alex

[@boykogerginov340]

Hi, I enjoyed your reviews very much and I must say they are way better than any other car reviews I have seen. You show and explain exactly the relevant topics. Do you plan on doing a review of Chrysler T&C or Dodge GC?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yes, but not until their redesign.

[@SriramNarayanan101]

Alex...this was a very comprehensive review...thanks for that. I prefer the Dodge Grand Caravan over the Sienna because of the aggressive pricing and practicality in terms of folding seats, spare tires and obviously higher market share...

[@JenniferDavis]

Very thorough review! Thank you.

[@kevinmlafleche]

Yes, the Grand Caravan is much less expensive. However, if you intend to have a minivan for the time your family is at home, (which can be over 20 yrs) wouldn't you be ahead with the Sienna?

[@kc5077]

My family's first minivan was a 1987 Plymouth Voyager. It's a shame everyone wants to use a minivan but most want own a SUV.

[@MrKikoboy]

I'm still driving a '97 Voyager ( unfortunately it's rusting out below me and a myriad of other issues which are not worth putting money into..) and I also have a 2012 Hyundai Tucson - which is very nice - better gas mileage and better handling etc...but the Voyager still wins on visibility and it had soft touch dash stuff even with a base model....how things have changed....

[@Tousanx]

This is a through and great review. I just subscribed. Thanks for the review.

[@TheSkystrider]

Putting aesthetics aside, for me to sell my super practical truck for something that uses a little less gas and retain tons of practicality, mini van trumps any SUV. Need to use a utility trailer for hauling some material but a mini van can haul my stuff 80% of the time. As much as I love the Chrysler's stow and go mid row, I much prefer the quality and reliability of Toyota. I just am not hauling lots of people so I'm thinking I'd remove the 3rd row and one captains chair for my normal use case. If I need to haul 4x8 material then I only have one chair to remove. Far too often my lifestyle with the truck or previous crossover meant all the seats were unusable for a 1 or 2 passengers. With a van, I can finally keep two seats available and all my tools and stuff I'm always hauling back and forth will fit in the van easy peasy, with room to spare for the 50% of the time I have an extra project and hauling more material or this or that thing.

[@pntdblack]

With the higher price it should also have the stow & go feature after all that's a main reason why anyone would consider purchasing a mini van ( cargo space). Having to carry out a couple heavy seats to make more space is a deal breaker!

[@piggy310]

Most of the stuff he mentions being exclusive to the XLE is also standard in the LE.

[@jamesanderson4014]

I would do a custom hold down for a full size spare tire placing it flat in the deep well or fasten it straight up. Run flats got to go one way or another. Nice nice video. Thanks

[@bazouli50]

I think your review was very helpful. This answered a few of the questions I have had. I would recommend that you stop comparing everything to the Toyota Highlander or another crossover. I'm looking at a vehicle for wheelchair mobility and the Highlander would not work. Your constant comparison to a Highlander confused the issue several times and I know you said things about the Sienna , but accidentally said Highlander. If I am looking at the review on a minivan that is all I want to know about, the occasional reference or maybe an entry reference and then leave it alone.

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

After driving a Navigator for 2 years. I don't want a minivan. But with 4 growing kids. It seems like, this is what i should be driving. Since they do come in AWD living in Wisconsin. I might actually get one. I have to speak to the kids 1st though. LOL

[@NightSociety]

Very well detailed review. Is the 2015 pretty much the same as 2014, besides the year?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The core is the same but it got a new dashboard for 2015 which I hope to have soon. The rest of the interior and engines are all the same.

[@cruisermax]

Good point on the Dodge and Chrysler numbers, but I wonder how much of that are the rental car companies using those minivans as part of their fleet? I would imagine it to be a pretty decent percentage.

[@jkc1160]

My wife and I drove one of these along with an Odyssey and a Chrysler T&C two years ago, and ended up with the Chrysler. That short nose you mention on the Toyota may open up some passenger volume, but it makes seeing the front end impossible. Those front parking sensors aren't a luxury: they're a necessity if you don't want regular trips to the body shop. The handling, at least for us, seemed sub-par compared to the Chrysler as well. The T&C isn't a sport sedan, but it has some steering feel, unlike the Sienna. All that said, the Stow'N'Go seats and the price sealed the deal. The Chrysler minivans are a screaming good deal.

[@warhmonger]

Hey buddy how is your T&C holding up? My work van (t&c) is on its 2nd engine and 3 transmission repair..

[@alexp.6145]

@@warhmonger What year is your T&C?

[@warhmonger]

@@alexp.6145 2015 and we're going to get rid of all of our FCA vans for F-150s!

[@vadimnesen8060]

Wonder how its holding up. Honestly

[@jkc1160]

The T&C is still in the family, still on its original drivetrain, and still a reliable runner. It’s now driven primarily by my kids.

[@jowowetan]

Hi Alex, how I wish you would review those minivans you mentioned on this video esp. the Dodge Grand Caravan. Please more reviews on the minivans, Alex - their versatility is unmatched, IMHO - thank you.

[@theNick9071]

I'd love to see you review the Ford Taurus, I just picked up a Limited model.

[@matthewyim1736]

Alex, why did toyota put so many hard plastics instead of soft touch plastics? I wish toyota got rid of that small display on the top.

[@mountainhobo]

Alex on Autos So Alex, is the Chrysler minivan review coming up next? :)

[@mitchelnikols3916]

best car ever

[@carlospereira3504]

i drove the 2.7 just to see, but will probably buy a 3.5, will the power be a huge difference? the 2.7 was ok but wondering if the 3.5 is better?

[@CaptainDawg02]

Next you need to do the Honda Odyssey Elite...would be awesome to see you do the child seat, entertainment system, and total review on that vehicle. Enjoyed watching your unbiased reviews on a lot of major family vehicles. :)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I hope to have the Honda in early October.

[@CaptainDawg02]

Alex on Autos Any word on doing one yet?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Honda is sending me the CR-V instead for some reason next week. I'm still working on it and I don't know why it is taking so long...

[@parthbrahmbhatt]

+Alex on Autos Thanks a lot for detailed review. Is an Odyssey review on horizon? I understand it is most likely a Honda issue but if you can even do a simple comparison without showing the Van I think a lot of us will appreciate it. Thanks again for thorough reviews.

[@sharondianneb]

Same as the 2011? ( I know ots the same generation but have heard there are some differences) Very informative detailed video Ty!!

[@skipperbonus3154]

Wow, the captain's chairs have the leg thing AND it reclines. Quite a good vehicle to drive while having an affair or two. TY Alex

[@PracticalTechnologist]

Alex for the 2015 Sienna review, if possible, could you please clarify the cons and pros of FWD vs AWD option (things like, handling, how it functions and price difference...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

AWD improves handling slightly in some situations, reduces torque steer and improves winter weather traction. The system normally sends 100% of the power to the front, unless there is wheel slip, or if you push the throttle more aggressively. When locked the center coupling will allow a power split of 50/50 assuming there is no wheel slip. If the front wheels completely lost traction, then in theory 90% of the power could be sent to the rear.

[@garygansel7932]

Excellent info

[@athaothao2880]

nice toyota sienna limited awd van

[@PracticalTechnologist]

Thanks this makes sense.

[@eliasra5894]

Can you explain why european cars do always have better fuel economy ratings compared to the same model with the same engine in the US?

[@PracticalTechnologist]

Thanks for clarification on this. I am curious if 2015 Sienna would suffer from the same issue reported in the video below. If that is the case this may steer me away from AWD on my 2015 Sienna purchase. Subaru AWD test vs. Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is hard to say. Roller tests like that are not really good tests of on-road or even off-road situations. Even on ice there is always some traction and it would never be true zero on all but one wheel like in these tests. That said systems with a full center lock or a true locking center differential would perform best. Subaru themselves have walked away from that type of system moving to an AWD coupling that is more similar in theme to the Toyota and Honda couplings. After that it's all down to software and Subaru's software does behave more naturally and smoothly in wet weather.

[@Goyxrd3]

Have exact model limited everything except paint is silver

[@alial-shameri2146]

.قمة الروعة والاناقه والجمال سيارة رائعة بشكل لا يوصف

[@sakhiyerzhanov663]

Awesome 👍👍👍

[@seungkyulee8764]

I love 2015 kia sedona sxl then any other mini vans!

[@JiwanJain]

Hi Alex I noticed that nobody shows how the interior lighting and dash look and maybe you might like to. And while buying cars many people do like to see how the dash look at night. Cheers

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I would guess that it is because cameras don't capture the night time look very well, the image comes out very grainy.

[@lexusfan100]

Alex on Autos Or maybe take a picture of it..some cameras do work great during dark

[@kipamore]

From Elias Woodstock: Can you explain why european cars do always have better fuel economy ratings compared to the same model with the same engine in the US? ANSWER Mainly because they use an Imperial gallon vs. a US gallon, which is about 20% more. Also, they use a different test cycle, and generally have higher octane fuel.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Correct, however on the octane part that's kind of a misleading statement. The higher the less energy there is in a gallon of gasoline. However, higher minimum octane designs allow higher compression designs which improve efficiency. In the USA the relative expense of higher octane gasoline would negate any savings. Also US law requires all engines to be able to run safely on the lowest octane gasoline, this is different than in the EU where engines can be designed to run on specific octanes. That's why for instance Mazdas SkyActiv design had to be tweaked to lower the compression in the USA (and therefore reduced efficiency slightly).

[@canadianexposures]

Alex on Autos 2 things, 1. European emissions standards are different then North American, which allows them to run a little more HP due to less restriction on the engines. 2. Most European countries use a different calculation for Octane than they do here in North America which results in a different number (though not necessarily a higher actual Octane fuel). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating#Measurement_methods

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Benjamin Solberg I understand the difference in octane calculation, however that doesn't effect the design considerations. US law requires all engines to be able to run safely on the lowest octane gasoline, this is different than in the EU where engines can be designed to run on specific octanes. This is why you can sell a high compression engine in the EU that will only run on higher octane than the minimum in the USA consequently the compression has to be modified for US consumption.

[@canadianexposures]

Alex on Autos Understood but I was just clarifying that ***** had said about them having "Higher Octane fuel" in Europe. It's higher but generally just on the label.

[@beverlyronquillo2642]

Alex on Autos

[@jaspel681]

great review

[@oscarliao168]

where is the parking assist on the toyota sienna

[@zionandzachshropshire6337]

Wait is this the Toyata sienna 2014 XLE?

[@emailfilter7107]

Anyone know what the handle-looking thing on the sunroof is for? I've not seen it on any other cars that I recall. Probably makes for some nice wind noise, whatever it is...

[@amazingstone4048]

Your are the best

[@merrittratliff3255]

Do the second row window roll down?

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

Why does Toyota offer HID lights in the sienna limited but not in the highlander or 4runner limited models?

[@emailfilter7107]

I've wondered the same thing. All I could come up with is they're purposely holding back on some features to allow them to introduce them in a year or two to encourage people to trade up to the latest model year. The never-ending hamster wheel of automotive consumerism.

[@radius8283]

My advise is do some research first. Google Sienna tire problems ASAP. This vehicle has issues with tires wearing uneven and excessively. Be ready to change tires at just 17K miles. Read complaints at Sienna chat forum. Toyota has no fix for this issue as of now and dealers will tell you it’s normal tire wear. If you have less than 12K miles and within the first year I suggest check your tires ASAP for the uneven and excessive wear and complaint right away with Toyota USA they might cover your tires warranty. Past one year and 12K Miles you’re on your own. I’m planning to trade mine for a Honda ASAP as tire or suspension issues could potentially be a safety issue. This is a family car and safety should be top priority!

[@saint_benedetto]

wow, really really good😇

[@aranh3832]

I love this car

[@KickoStocks]

If the Chrysler/Dodge vans go with an AWD option, it will probably kill the Sienna off.

[@bba472]

i am only 5 feet do this mini van suit for me.............. i need smaller steering with adjustable seats

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

You can adjust it for your self I the Toyota Sienna

[@JamieNotLamie]

Why on EARTH would they have the nice limited reclining ottomans but the recliner is hardly a recliner?! I cant believe I was set on getting a Limited version just so my kiddo and her dad could lay back and watch movies while I drive. Dreams = Crushed. Anyone know of minivans that recline more? I can buy a darn ottoman type thing...

[@winover07]

Plz give opinions on sienna awd vs outback awd

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

The AWD in the Sienna's better for snow but the foresters good in the mud

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

Sorry meant the outback

[@danbresler2207]

How much do the middle seats weight?

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

Not much you could carry them and there lighter then the odessy

[@oscarliao168]

can u do 2015honda odessey

[@oscarliao168]

can u do Honda Odessey

[@cyberpranker10]

Dude rip metris

[@redscarlett72]

This isn't the 2015 sienna

[@theaddressfashion6511]

How much is it

[@jonathancamplin5703]

my 18 year old mazda bongo 4x4 mini van camper with a lift up roof ,does more mpg than that , shame on you usa , this day and age you want 45 +

[@НикитаБуклеев-ы1п]

Привет хорошо 😊

[@蔡偉立-x8g]

他像美國的前內政部長。

[@marktuyet]

piece of junk ..mine was repainted in the first year ,2 seats replaced, now the steering column needs repairing .tires last only about 25000 miles ...read all problems on internet and stay away ....worst car I ever owned and I'm 64 . ..

[@khnns4121]

+Marktuyet becareful sometimes dealership can change the mileage .

[@vandavid9329]

next time slower

[@vandavid9329]

you talk so fast

[@jahnaycock]

Compared The Sienna, to the Honda and Grand Caravan back in '09 when in the Minivan market. I liked our loaded Grand Caravan with touring suspension over the competitors, handled better and had more power the the Toyota and Honda. My wife liked the Sirius Satellite TV with 2nd and 3rd row monitors, the other are DVD based entertainment systems with single screens (Kids end up watching the same six DVD over and over). The Honda was nicer inside but 5 grand more and the Toyota was a little less but felt very cheap inside. Have put 92k miles on the Caravan and have had no problems other than a noisy power steering pump.

[@alial-shameri2146]

.قمة الروعة والاناقه والجمال سيارة رائعة بشكل لا يوصف