2012 Toyota Sienna

The best runner up, and the only van offering AWD

Experts consider the 2012 Toyota Sienna to be one of the better full-size minivans available. Reviewers like its powerful and smooth available V6 engine, excellent six-speed automatic transmission, vast interior space, good crash-test results, and high-tech optional equipment like a split-screen rear entertainment screen that allows two media items to be played concurrently.

The Toyota Sienna is the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive, which may be important for shoppers who frequently drive in inclement weather conditions.

Base four-cylinder is less powerful and no more efficient

The Sienna base model comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine. It's less powerful than competing base V6 engines, and as you'll see below, it doesn't provide any noteworthy fuel-efficiency benefits.

Testers also say that the Toyota's interior is less versatile than that of the best-reviewed 2012 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,225 to $43,675) and the well-reviewed 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (Base MSRP: $29,995 to $39,300) .

On the whole, reviewers say the 2012 Honda Odyssey is the best all-around minivan, though the Sienna is a close runner up.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

4-Cylinder 2WD

- 19 mpg city

- 24 mpg highway

- 21 mpg combined

V6 2WD

- 18 mpg city

- 25 mpg highway

- 21 mpg combined

V6 AWD

- 17 mpg city

- 23 mpg highway

- 19 mpg combined

NHTSA Safety Ratings

- Front Impact: 4 stars

- Side Impact: 5 stars

- Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

- Overall: 4 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings

- Front Offset Impact: Good

- Side Impact: Good

- Roof Strength: Good

- Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

Full details in our review of the 2011 Sienna

The Sienna received no substantial changes in the 2012 model year. Therefore, our full 2011 review is fully applicable to the 2012 model. See our full report on the 2011 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570) to get more details on all aspects of the vehicle with reviewer opinions.