I just got to see the 2004 Sienna at the Chicago Auto Show. The quick summary is that it really has taken the best of all the competition, and improved on some of it, too. If it does equal the previous Sienna in crash test results, it will be the clear standard for minivans.
A few things putting it equal to or ahead of the Odyssey:
-It seems about the same size on the inside. A bit more legroom for the front passenger, and the space behind the third row seems a hair bigger and deeper.
-60/40 split folding third row seat. Operation is very easy. Functional head restraints are integrated, and do not need to be removed to fold the seat like the Odyssey.
-An eighth seat in the 2nd row center is available on some models, this version was not at the show. It moves forward and back for easier access from the front row.
-For 7 passenger models, the second row passenger side seat moves inboard or outboard like the Odyssey or MPV. Unlike Odyssey, it has the lap/shoulder belt integrated into the seat and not attached to the frame. This means it won't block the access to the 3rd row when it is moved to the center.
-Second row sliding door windows roll down, like on the MPV.
-Handy folding tray in the front row for easy rear access, like the Odyssey.
-Power rear hatch available like the Chrysler vans
-Nifty integrated retractable sunshades
-Conversation mirror like Windstar
-Wide assortment of creature comforts
And, of course, the safety and child passenger safety features!
- Side curtain airbags cover all the glass all the way back.
- 3-point seatbelts in all 7 positions (8 for the 8-passenger version).
- LATCH is availble in both 2nd row captain's chairs (and the center seat if you get the 8 passenger version). The top-tether anchors are now integrated into the chair, located on the back at the bottom.
- LATCH is also in the center of the third row and the third row passenger side. The only spot without LATCH is the third row driver side. Three top-tether anchors are standard on the tailgate sil, much like those available on the Odyssey. (Kudos to the 2003 Odyssey and 2004 Sienna for not removing top-tether anchors like Chrysler has done because of the tougher new standards!).
- The second row passenger chair has the integrated seatbelt that looks like it should fit smaller adults fairly well. No owner's manual was available for child seat information:-(
- The second row driver's side chair has an adjustable shoulder belt with a nice clip to lower the angle for shorter passengers or kids in boosters.
- The third row outboard spots also have handy flip down shoulder belt guides to fit kids in boosters.
- All belts are switchable locking retractor types and look like they should hold a carseat well as long as there are no restrictions in the manual.
- AWD and stability control available
- Runflat tires available
Not much else I could want. Of course, it can be up to a year before the NHTSA completes crash testing on a redesigned vehicle, and even longer for the IIHS to complete its testing. For a top selling minivan, I would hope it would be a bit sooner. Unfortunately, the NHTSA did not include the 2004 Sienna on their 2003 testing but it could be added. You hope that a manufacturer that did well on previous designs would do it right on a new one, but there is no guarantee. If crash test results are important, it is a good idea to wait...
I'll be considering a swap of our 2001 Odyssey for a 2005 Sienna By then the crash tests should be completed and any 1st year bugs should be resolved. More details here:
http://www.toyota.com/newsienna
Darren
A few things putting it equal to or ahead of the Odyssey:
-It seems about the same size on the inside. A bit more legroom for the front passenger, and the space behind the third row seems a hair bigger and deeper.
-60/40 split folding third row seat. Operation is very easy. Functional head restraints are integrated, and do not need to be removed to fold the seat like the Odyssey.
-An eighth seat in the 2nd row center is available on some models, this version was not at the show. It moves forward and back for easier access from the front row.
-For 7 passenger models, the second row passenger side seat moves inboard or outboard like the Odyssey or MPV. Unlike Odyssey, it has the lap/shoulder belt integrated into the seat and not attached to the frame. This means it won't block the access to the 3rd row when it is moved to the center.
-Second row sliding door windows roll down, like on the MPV.
-Handy folding tray in the front row for easy rear access, like the Odyssey.
-Power rear hatch available like the Chrysler vans
-Nifty integrated retractable sunshades
-Conversation mirror like Windstar
-Wide assortment of creature comforts
And, of course, the safety and child passenger safety features!
- Side curtain airbags cover all the glass all the way back.
- 3-point seatbelts in all 7 positions (8 for the 8-passenger version).
- LATCH is availble in both 2nd row captain's chairs (and the center seat if you get the 8 passenger version). The top-tether anchors are now integrated into the chair, located on the back at the bottom.
- LATCH is also in the center of the third row and the third row passenger side. The only spot without LATCH is the third row driver side. Three top-tether anchors are standard on the tailgate sil, much like those available on the Odyssey. (Kudos to the 2003 Odyssey and 2004 Sienna for not removing top-tether anchors like Chrysler has done because of the tougher new standards!).
- The second row passenger chair has the integrated seatbelt that looks like it should fit smaller adults fairly well. No owner's manual was available for child seat information:-(
- The second row driver's side chair has an adjustable shoulder belt with a nice clip to lower the angle for shorter passengers or kids in boosters.
- The third row outboard spots also have handy flip down shoulder belt guides to fit kids in boosters.
- All belts are switchable locking retractor types and look like they should hold a carseat well as long as there are no restrictions in the manual.
- AWD and stability control available
- Runflat tires available
Not much else I could want. Of course, it can be up to a year before the NHTSA completes crash testing on a redesigned vehicle, and even longer for the IIHS to complete its testing. For a top selling minivan, I would hope it would be a bit sooner. Unfortunately, the NHTSA did not include the 2004 Sienna on their 2003 testing but it could be added. You hope that a manufacturer that did well on previous designs would do it right on a new one, but there is no guarantee. If crash test results are important, it is a good idea to wait...
I'll be considering a swap of our 2001 Odyssey for a 2005 Sienna By then the crash tests should be completed and any 1st year bugs should be resolved. More details here:
http://www.toyota.com/newsienna
Darren