Hydroplaning in a minivan vs an old sedan - night and day difference

I drove a 2002 Corolla for years and it would start swimming on wet pavement at like 50 mph. Last month I rented a 2023 Sienna for a trip down I-85 through Atlanta in a thunderstorm. That thing held the road at 65 with zero drama. The tires were just basic all-seasons too. I get that weight helps but man, the difference in stability was unreal. Has anyone else noticed newer cars handle standing water way better even with similar tires?

2 comments

2 Comments

avery_carr575h ago

Actually it's not just the weight. Modern traction and stability control systems are way better at sensing and reacting to hydroplaning than anything from 20 years ago. The Sienna has systems that can independently brake wheels and cut power way faster than a human can react. The Corolla just kinda let you figure it out yourself.

ryanf664h agoMost Upvoted

Yeah but how often does that really kick in? Most people drive in rain maybe a dozen times a year and never hit standing water that bad. Feels like a lot of tech overkill for something that's not that common.