The Sienna is different from the Sequoia. A minivan is laid out differently, flat floor, more interior volume in a smaller exterior package. I've driven several Siennas, I've had two minivans in the family, IMHO the Sienna really isn't anything like the LS, it lacks completely the solidity and quality of the LS, which is understandable since its a vehicle built to a much lower quality tier.

In order to get something bigger that has that same quality solidity and feel of the LS, you really have to go to a larger luxury style SUV. As I asked before though, whats your budget?

 

My budget stops at 18k. I'm a buyer not a fan of payments. Last car I bought on payments was in 1996.

 

Interior dimensions and volumes of many Toyota models and fewer Lexus model can be compared by viewing information in the sales brochures at http://www.auto-brochures.com

Toyota stopped putting interior dimensions in many of its Lexus brochures in around 2007 - perhaps due to the interior space of some Lexus vehicles not comparing favorably to the competition or previous models. For example, the 2007 LS460 was ridiculed due to it having less interior space and particularly less rear legroom than the outgoing LS430.

You need to decide what is important .... status symbol, depreciation, maintenance costs, fuel economy, size, comfort, gadgets, maneuverability, etc.

 

Kansas - I still have a '99 LS400 (136k mi, nav).. and last year purchased a brand new 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium w/ the advanced technology package <decided on FWD mainly for ATC and to avoid the run-flats that the AWD comes with... i also wanted the power 3rd row, which you cannot get w/ AWD>. Same exterior color (blizzard white pearl) as yours, with chestnut (brown) leather.

Slightly annoyed that the MY'18 onwards comes w/ Safety Sense standard, but that's besides the point.

Some minor observations I have:
- Sound system on the '99 LS (standard sound, not Nakamichi... so that'd be Pioneer) seems far superior to the JBL system on the Sienna Limited
- NVH on the Sienna is noticeably higher vs the Lexus. perhaps due to the larger wheels?.. (18" vs 16"). Sienna MY '15 onwards has more sound-deadening materials, from what I understand. Also, MY '17 onwards has the newer drivetrain / transmission.
- Engine on the Sienna sounds more coarse, at acceleration (think the van might be faster, but I'm still only at 2,500 mi, so havent floored it yet)
- '99 LS seems to be more "solid: feeling with respect to its doors closing, etc.
- Perforated leather on the Sienna is great to look at. I hope it wears as durably as that on the LS
- Obviously noticeable is the new technology that the Sienna has over the LS (keyless entry, ability to play music off USB, blu-ray, better nav)
- Practicality and convenience (power liftgage open / close on the Sienna) & storage

Recently got into the idea of buying a massively depreciated Maserati GranTurismo -- which is the complete antithesis of both the Sienna and the LS400.. incidentally, a moderately used GranTurismo is cheaper than a loaded new Sienna. But my wife told me I'm crazy and I better not dare.

 

The reason for all of these things is simply that the LS was a much more expensive car, and built to a much higher standard...

 

Yes, no question of that; I think my LS had an original sticker of ~$65k or so, in 1999 dollars (it had Nav, carphone, etc), and was fairly high-optioned. Using an inflation calculator, this is roughly $95k in 2017 dollars, so not an insignificant amount, and nearly twice that of Sienna msrp ($49k at time of purchase).

Just providing some comparative insight to document my thoughts, and see if Kansas shared the same views.