Question 2nd generation Sienna vs Odyssey

[Mel281]

I'm more confused than ever. Had my sights set on a 2006 Sienna Limited, then found out the engines in the 2007 are bigger(3.3L vs 3.5L). Then reading Edmunds, they say the Ody is a better all around pic. Don't know much about those except that the third row has only one set of lower anchors vs the two in the Sienna.

Can anyone help me compare the good and the bad for these two? I am looking at 2006 and newer, and mostly the higher end models. That means XLE or XLE limited in the Sienna, and the Touring or ExL in the Ody. Important features are back up camera, power doors and lift gate. I like the seat memory feature on the Sienna that I saw. Power and winter handling are very important as well.

We have the two kids in my siggy plus one due in June. I'd like to be able to transport my two nephews on rare occasions as well (3.5 and 1.5).
Thanks!

 

[MommyShannon]

We have a 2006 Ody Touring so it has power everything, Nav, DVD, etc. LOVE memory seats. Ours are actually based on the key fob so the seat moves when you unlock with your button. The 2006-2010 Tourings are 7 seaters. The EXLs have the 8th little seat. I can't comment on winter driving since we got 9" of snow last week and life here stopped, lol. I would pick it again BUT for a few years ('05-'09 I think) on the higher trim Odys came with PAX run flat tires, HORRIBLE! They ride rough, wear out fast, cost a fortune, and nobody has the special equipment to replace them. So, if you get a flat, you can drive 50 miles but then you are stuck for a few days waiting for them to send a new wheel and tire. We "de-PAXed" ours for about $650 for new rims and then the cost of normal tires. It's great now, just something to be aware of. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=653633