Which one is better................pl advice.?

Question

I am looking for a Seven seater and I have 2 choices in mind.
Toyota Highlander (2008 as I heard the third row is much more rommier that the previous modles) OR Sienna.
Which one is a better choice any WHY ??
Advice and tips appreciated.
Thanks

Answer 1

The third row of most mid-size SUVs are usually not very roomy at all and suited best to small children over short distances. The new Highlander is bigger than its predecessor but it still is shorter and not as wide than some of its competition measuring in at 188in and 75in respectively. If you really want an SUV look at the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave, or the Hyundai Veracruz. Actually saw the Veracruz and sat in the third row and it was comfortable for me. However, given that you are looking at Toyota you obviously care about quality and dependability in a vehicle so I would cross shop with the Hyundai, which I mentioned is very nice. The quality of the vehicle I saw was extremely high and the interior was top notch. I didn't mention the Honda Pilot because it will be redesigned for 2009.
However, if you are willing to look at a minivan, the Sienna is the best choice hands down. I will not even suggest an alternative here. It is over 200in long and is 77in wide and therefore is very roomy inside. The third row is spacious, and it has 43 cubic ft of cargo space behind the third row, unlike the Highlander or Veracruz which has 10 cu ft and 8 cu ft respectively. I checked out a Sienna at a Toyota dealership and was most impressed by how spacious it is. The Sienna probably handles better than the Highlander because it is wider and lower to the ground and it returns better fuel economy. The cost is greater, however, for the Sienna. A 'Limited' Sienna with leather seats is $35K whereas a 'Limited' Highlander is $33K.
A great advantage the Highlander has is that it can tow 2000-5000 lbs whereas the Sienna can only tow 3500 lbs. The Highlander also has a Hybrid trim level. If you are interested in a Hybrid and would like to buy now the Highlander would be the way to go. The new Previa/Estima minivan in Japan has a Hybrid powertrain so it would follow that the Sienna will also get a Hybrid powertrain, but I do not know when this will be.

Answer 2

Well both are good models in the high lander the middle console comes out to ease the access to the back row of seats, the Sienna is also a excellent choice so it all comes down to how you use your vehicle. Do you pull a trailer, a boat ? If you do haul i would choose the high lander but if it's just to get around might as well buy the Sienna.

Answer 3

The Highlander for some reason is WAY overpriced for what it is. Go with the Sienna. More room and LOTS less money.

Answer 4

Sienna has alot more room in the back, easier access to the rear seats, easier for kids to get in and out.

Answer 5

The Sienna is a much better choice. Easier to get access to those rear seats. Climbing over the middle seat to get to the back seats are always a pain, no matter what.

Also the Sienna is lower, and makes it easier to get into those rear seats.

Answer 6

highlander $24900-32200...mpg18-20city/24-28hwy
highlander hybrid $32500-36000...mpg32city/27hwy
sienna $24000-37700...mpg18city/23/26hwy

if you want performance, satisfaction, appearance, comfort and value on your sienna/highlander, it cost you more $ and gas. go for the hybrid highlander, you'll save money on gas!

Answer 7

The Sienna is a much better choice. Much better handling and more room for everyone.