If you need to remove the seats entirely, they can be lifted out individually. The seats can be removed with the seat backs folded flat, which make them easier to handle. The seat latches are superbly executed; they release easily and are simple to re-install.

Getting in and out of the Sienna is easy. Dual sliding doors are now standard and ensure passengers get in and out in a hurry and minimize running around to the far side of the vehicle to grab a kid. Child-safety door locks defeat the inside door handles on all sliding doors. At the full-open position, an interlock stopper prevents sliding doors from sliding closed when parked on a downhill grade. A half-door stopper prevents the left-side sliding door from fully opening when the fuel lid is opened to prevent the door from making contact with the fueling area.

The optional right-side power sliding door can be opened by pressing buttons on the dash, keyless remote or B-pillar, or by pulling on the inside or outside latches. During the summer, it's nice to be able to start the airing out process while you're approaching the Sienna with a load of groceries. A switch next to the steering wheel allows the driver to override these buttons so that the power sliding door cannot be opened. The power sliding door feature works without having the key in the ignition. The power sliding door can be opened like a normal door when the power switch is turned off. The power sliding door senses when an obstacle is in its path and automatically retracts.

Step-in height is much lower than that of an SUV, making getting in and out much easier for shorter people, older people and everyone else. Once in, the driver enjoys an expansive view of the road, though the seating position is not as high as in many sport-utility vehicles. Visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to all the glass. Big mirrors (power on LE and XLE models) offer a good view to the rear. Instruments are big, bright and easy to read.

All seating positions are very comfortable. Optional leather upholstery is attractive, luxurious and easy to clean. Low side bolstering on the seats makes slipping in and out of them easier, but they lack sufficient support to keep you comfortably anchored in aggressive side-to-side maneuvers, if you are inclined to drive that way. The rear two rows of seats provide enough room to comfortably seat six people, though they don't offer as much room as the bigger Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country. With a little cooperation among the passengers, fore and aft adjustments for the second row (and, of course, the front row) permit optimum space for people of varying heights.

Storage is close at hand without impeding the generous pass-through between the front seats that makes it easy to move from the front to the rear without getting out. Little nets attached to the sides of the front seats are great for storing toll tickets, sunglasses or wallets. Fold-down cupholders next to the storage net secure drinks but flip up out of the way when not in use; they don't look like they'd hold tall drinks well, but securely held my Venti-sized paper cappuccino cup.

The second row can be equipped with either captain's chairs or a two-place bench seat. The seatbacks fold down to provide a flat surface for food and games and cupholders. Molded into the doors are round holders suitable for one-liter bottles. Cupholders, up to 14 of them, are everywhere. Either captain's chairs or a three-place bench can be ordered for the third row; the captain's chairs are preferable if you only require seating for six people.

Last year, the climate and audio controls were repositioned, with the radio located higher in the dash, which makes sense because that's what you fiddle with the most. Audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel, which allow the driver to easily adjust volume, select stations, or change CD tracks without looking away from the road; there's a handy mute button to turn off the sound altogether, great for eliminating confusion. An available in-dash six-disc changer means no searching for CDs on long trips and no fussy CD magazines to mess with; just press the Load button and start sliding them in.

The column-mounted shifter works well, slipping cleanly into the desired gear. The shift lever feels spindly, however, and a ragged-looking shift boot detracts from the handsome interior.