The Autoblog long-term 2023 Toyota Sienna is now in my possession. Right here, it would get pleasure from a respite from college drop-offs and cereal spills (OK, no ensures on the latter). As a substitute, I plan to make use of the Sienna like a truck — responsibility that won’t essentially come naturally to the hybrid minivan, however one it seems able to dealing with. Not satisfied? Let me lay it out for you.
Let’s discuss execs. For starters, the cargo space on this factor is huge. Keep in mind, a minivan is principally a three-row crossover with sliding doorways. Consequently, it is lengthy and huge sufficient to accommodate 4×8 sheets of plywood — one thing many a contemporary truck mattress cannot do with out equipment. It additionally provides a hefty GVWR of 6,102 kilos, which permits loads of headroom over its 4,500-pound curb weight for hauling cargo. Usually, that quantity can be 6,170 kilos, however the additional goodies put in on our tester drop the overall by 68 kilos. And since it is a minivan, the inside is supposed to be abused. That is three factors in favor.
Now, the drawbacks. For starters, sturdy or not, seat upholstery will not be going to carry as much as wooden splinters or pointy steel stuff, and sadly, the Sienna’s inside is configured in such a manner that it is nearly not possible to keep away from utilizing the seats for cargo administration a way or one other. This brings us to the Sienna’s most obvious cargo-hauling weak point: the second row doesn’t fold flat. Including insult to trade, it is not meant to be faraway from the automotive. Is it bodily attainable? In fact, however as a result of the seats include security gear and electronics, Toyota recommends towards their removing solely. That is a little bit of a bummer, however not a deal-breaker.
The Sienna shall be out and in of my arms for a few weeks as we get it prepped for winter responsibility. Mmmmm… venture season! I can not wait.
Associated Video