Toyota Sienna

Today's Sienna received above-average crash test scores and is one of the few minivans to offer a choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating capacity. It also offers a wide selection of standard and optional features. The sheer variation in equipment can make for a confusing trip down the options list, but the Sienna is definitely a van to consider if you're looking for upscale amenities like adaptive cruise control and power-folding third-row seats. And this is one of the few minivans available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Trim levels consist of the affordable CE, the midrange LE, the upscale XLE and the Lexus-like XLE Limited. Most Sienna buyers will be happy with the CE or LE, and these are the trims to look at if you want the eight-passenger option, which places a three-person, 40/20/40 bench seat in the second row in lieu of twin captain's chairs. The center section of the bench seat slides forward to give parents easier access to a baby in a car seat. All Sienna models are powered by a smooth and relatively efficient 3.5-liter V6 that generates 266 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is a five-speed automatic.