finally decided to replace our Pilot with one of these. am I the only one here like the Sienna SE over the vanilla look of the new Highlander even though Sienna is supposedly a soccer mom minivan? especially the '15 facelifted Sienna looks really nice with that improved interior. but one thing is holding me back on the Sienna SE is suv are known to age better than minivans. i've seen the last gen Sienna on the road, and they don't look like aged very well, while the previous gen Highlander still looks pretty decent.

 

depends on your family's needs. we just bought a minivan (Ody) and i can't get over how perfect it is for 3 kids in carseats. although i prefer the highlander for dynamics and looks, it's just a no-brainer for practicality and bang for the buck. yes, go for the SE. the '15 is now properly equipped and the handling is much better.

 

if you need functionality of Sienna, then go for it of course... but yes, SUV age slower because people see them as cooler... also lose less value (but at the same time cost more).

 

Both cars have good reputations. Go drive both then pick your favorite

 

If you are willing to consider a non-Toyota, check out the new 2015 Kia Sedona minivan. It starts out some 3-4K cheaper, but doesn't have an AWD option like the Sienna.

http://www.kia.com/us/en/home?series=sedona&year=2015

Kia produces respectable vehicles now....the days of them making junk are long gone.

 

I'd take the new Sienna over the highlander any day especially if it's the SE model. To me it looks better and more practical. I'd wish my wife and I got the new SE sienna instead of a used 05 sienna but she didn't like the eighth seat in which we rarely ever use it anyways.

 

The bottom line is that basically they are the same vehicle. The only reason to select the Highlander is for the SUV/Crossover look, seating position, etc. I hate minivans as much as the next guy, but its hard to beat the practicality.

 

The Highlander and Sienna are the same only in the sense that they both derive from the basic Camry platform (as does the Avalon, Lexus ES, and RX). Practically speaking, in day-to-day use, they are certainly not closely related, but two markedly different vehicles.



Then why hate them? As I see it, the whole anti-minivan routine was something cooked up primarily by the auto press, which has never liked minivans because they usually don't fit the mold of a sporting vehicle.

 

Regarding the Highlander, if you value quiet ride you might want to watch this one minute video before purchasing one http://vid1381.photobucket.com/album...ps3n7os9ps.mp4 (Or else plan on adding 100-200 lbs of Dynamat to it's interior).

 

I hear the new Highlander has been getting some recalls, a cause for concern. The Sienna looks pretty good fully loaded, I've seen a few with Vossen wheels and they're head turners.

 

^^^Yep, those Norcal guys are pretty serious with their siennas


If you see yourself needing the 3rd row seats WITH cargo space, NOTHING beats a minivan.

 

I quite like the Sienna (and the Highlander). With our growing family, we will very seriously consider a Sienna when our RX lease is up. The added practicality would be fantastic.

 

I rocked a Sienna for a group of eight going for a wine-tasting weekend in Paso Robles.

The car had tons of space, comfortable for the 3rd row adult passengers, built tough to withstand children (and drunk adults), and plenty of amenities with upper trim models. The powertrain was able to handle maximum passenger capacity at the hillsides and freeways without issues.

Now, the Highlander may have two advantages: AWD (which you can get with the Sienna) and better ground clearance. Otherwise, the Sienna is more spacious and probably cheaper to maintain and insure.

 

I've driven the new Highlander. It's very smooth and quiet.

Same platform. Same powertrain. Same AWD system. The ride and drive very similarly actually. The Highlamder has no off-road ability to speak of...it basically is a "cooler looking" minivan.

It's just not an enthusiasts vehicle. It's a very utilitarian vehicle, not stylish. Not enjoyable to drive. Has no appeal for the other than as a family hauler.

 

Personally, I would not bother with the SE version of the Sienna. I don't see the point in dressing up a minivan and saying it's "sporty". At the end of the day, it's a minivan. I'd rather spend my money getting a more luxurious model than a more sporty model, if I'm buying a minivan, especially since my wife would be the primary driver.

But that's just me.