Transportation
Car Review: 2015 Toyota Sienna
By Frank S. Washington
NNPA Columnist
DETROIT (NNPA) – If ever there was a scourge of the auto industry, it is a minivan. Most people don’t want to be caught dead in one. They are thought to convey a boring lifestyle, subservience to kids and the driver is viewed as an all-around gofer for the family.
But even though sales have fallen, more than 1 million people a year purchase a minivan, most of them after they’ve had a second child. And the Toyota Sienna ranks among the best of the family haulers.
We had the 2015 Toyota Sienna SE. It had a 3.5-liter V6 engine that made 266 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission the Sienna had plenty of power to maneuver on the expressways here as well as on the surface streets. It had an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.
You should know that we weren’t carrying passengers, so our test vehicle was rather spry on the pavement. But if you’re hauling kids around, a reasonable argument is that you have no business whizzing in and out of traffic anyway.
We had captain’s chairs in the second row. That meant that our Sienna could carry seven passengers in a 2+2+3 configuration. A second row bench seat increases its capacity to eight passengers. We had the front-wheel-drive model, but there is an all-wheel-drive version. Toyota said the Sienna is the only minivan available with all-wheel-drive.
As we were preparing this review, we got notification that the Toyota Sienna had received the Best in Class Minivan Award in the fifth annual New England Motor Press Association Technology Conference. Indeed, with 150 cu. ft. of storage space, with the second and third row seats taken out, the Sienna can haul a bunch of stuff. But its main purpose is to haul kids, their friends and all their stuff.
The Sienna is equipped with a speaker that will project the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers. It uses the same microphone as the voice controls. Used with the Sienna’s standard conversation mirror in the overhead console, a driver can get up close and personal with the people in the back of the van, especially the munchkins in the third row who think they are beyond reach.
Toyota’s Entune App system was standard equipment on the Sienna. Of course, there was a rear seat entertainment system. And our Sienna had a backup camera with cross traffic alert and it was equipped with blind side alert.
The SE is, more or less, the sport model. It was lower, featured a sport tuned suspension and it had 19-inch wheels. The side skirts and at lower profile headlights with LED daytime running lamps gave it and even more muscular look.
The interior had what Toyota called exclusive instrumentation. Instruments had black numerals on white dials. The black interior featured white French stitching. The navigation/information screen was atop the center stack, climate controls were beneath it and the audio controls were beneath that. We had a CD player, a feature that is bordering on being obsolete, and a slot for an SD card. There was also a 110-volt outlet with easy second row access.
Our tester had climate controls for the rear and there was also a power off button for the sliding doors. We thought that was a nice touch to keep young explorers inside the Sienna.The vehicle had a smart key, a sunroof and the fit and finish was what you’d expect of a Toyota vehicle. It was flawless to the naked eye.
For $41,108, our 2015 Toyota Sienna SE wasn’t a bad deal.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.
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car reviews
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
FDIC data reveals the truth about Black-owned banks: they’re vital for minority lending, but their numbers are declining. Discover the impact in this must-watch #shorts.
The 6-hour stat is a myth, but where deposits go is real. As of March 31, 2026, there were 24 Black-owned banks, down from 48 in 2001. MDIs lend more mortgages to minority borrowers in lower-income areas. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#BlackOwnedBanks #FDIC #FinancialInclusion #CommunityLending
car reviews
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Is the $110k Defender 130X worth it? Consider entry and exit challenges for passengers before you buy this luxury SUV. #AutoNetwork
Before you buy this $110k vehicle, test the entry and exit. With multiple handles, the high seating position can still be a challenge for some family members. Check with your passengers first! #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/8HFPFmqpCdg
#Defender130X #CarReview #SUV #OffRoad #LuxuryCars
car reviews
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
Buying a used car can be a smart wealth-building move for Black buyers. Learn the ins and outs of the used car market in this episode.
Buying a used car isn’t settling for less. For a prepared Black buyer, it’s one of the smartest wealth-building moves you can make.
In Episode 11 of The Color of Our Money Is Green, host Roosevelt Gist and co-host Roosevelt break down the used car market from start to finish. Kelley Blue Book says many new cars lose 20 percent or more of their value in the first year. The first owner absorbs that loss. A prepared used car buyer keeps it.
You’ll learn the four places to buy a used car: franchised dealers, independent lots, certified pre-owned programs, and private sellers. We explain what the FTC Buyer’s Guide in the window really means, and why it can override your sales contract.
Then we walk through the five-step research plan to finish before you ever contact a seller. Set fair market value, pull a vehicle history report, check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, compare ownership costs, and get pre-approved by a Black-owned bank or credit union. That last step matters even more on used cars. Experian found used car loans averaged 11.19 percent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 6.35 percent for new.
Finally, we cover the independent inspection, the 30-minute test drive, and a word-for-word negotiation script that uses your inspection report to bring the price down.
Our Green Book Moment spotlights Banister Ford of Marlow Heights, a Black-owned dealership in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Get the book, “The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost,” at stan.store/RGist.
This episode is for education only, not legal or financial advice. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Your money is green. Know what it costs.
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
Is the $110K Defender 130 X the ultimate family SUV? Roosevelt dives into its comfort, capability, and whether it’s truly worth the price.
Is the 2026 Defender 130 X worth $110,110 for your family?
Roosevelt examines the comfort, capability, and everyday compromises that matter before you buy this luxury SUV.
Finished in Gondwana Stone with an Ebony Windsor leather interior, this Defender brings a distinctive look and a substantial price. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
My driving impressions include good acceleration, a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat, and good ride quality. However, I also noticed wind noise around the windshield pillar and outside mirror. A highway test drive deserves a place on your shopping checklist.
Inside, we examine the optional second-row captain’s chairs, passenger access, third-row seating, and usable cargo space. The third row does not fold into a flat floor, so bring your stroller, luggage or measurements when evaluating whether this Defender fits your needs.
Getting in and out also deserves attention. The vehicle sits high, and its grab handles may not solve the entry challenge for every passenger. I explain why your regular passengers should try it before you commit.
We also look at the ClearSight digital rearview mirror, 13.1-inch touchscreen, and parking-camera system. Extended viewing of the digital mirror made me feel dizzy; your experience may differ.
Air suspension, terrain settings, and the listed towing package add capability, but how much will you actually use? With supplied fuel ratings of 16 city, 20 highway, and 18 combined mpg, ownership costs belong in the decision.
Watch for practical checks you can use at the dealership, then tell me: would this Defender fit your daily life?
Subscribe to AutoNetwork for vehicle reviews that help you make informed buying decisions. Like, share, and follow for more advice from Roosevelt before your next purchase.
______________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Car takeoff hesitation? A daylight test drive can reveal visibility issues and charging pad interferences. Watch the full guide to get your car running smoothly!
Trouble with takeoff hesitation? Perform a daylight test drive and observe visibility from your usual driving position. Make sure no cards or keys are left on the charging pads. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/jxHcleGKCuE
#CarTips #Driving #TestDrive #CarMaintenance
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The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Despite the 1893 Panic, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the only institution in Richmond to remain open, cashing every check.
During the financial panic of 1893, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the sole institution in Richmond to remain operational, honoring every single check. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#TrueReformers #BlackHistory #FinancialHistory #1893Panic
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