Ultra-practical...headlights suck! Big time.
I never really noticed what good headlights add until the first day I drove the 335 at night...wow
Headlights are great in the touring model, FWIW.
And regarding transmission issues, I am willing to bet it has more to do with the 5 speed transmissions that were in the 2011-2013 non-Touring models versus the 6 speed in the 2011-2013 Touring models and 2014+ models.
I've had mine for 2.5 years now, 43k kms and the only issues I have had are as follows:
1. The driver's side sun visor fell down in my lap the first time I went to use it. Likely damaged during the dealer installed Honda Remote Start.
2. The proximity key door handles have died on 3 of the doors. I can grab the door handle and it won't unlock. I'll be taking it in. Just about every time I am about to take it in, one or two of the three bad ones randomly work. Lol. So I may be making several trips to have them all replaced.
Other than that, it's been a solid van. Comfortable on long distances, roomy and decent on fuel.
The Sienna interior was gross until the 2015 upgrades. 2017 Sienna has some nice mechanical upgrades with the 2GR-FSE now installed (3.5L V6 with D4S direct and port injection) with 296hp and 263lbft, along with an 8 speed transmission. According to the EPA, these changes now allow the Sienna 2WD to match the Odyssey (6 speed transmission, but variable engine displacement) for fuel economy. The AWD Sienna still has a 1 mpg penalty in city and 3 mpg penalty on the highway.
That said, Honda needs to up their game with the all-new forthcoming 2017 model.
