Can minivans really be back in style this year? Say what? Well, that's what Toyota wants us to believe. And their completely redesigned 2011
Toyota Sienna might just do the trick. Yes, we all know that minivans have been on their death beds in recent times and sales have been plummeting, but this new beauty has given this ailing segment just the shot in the arm it needed. Despite their practicality, minivans have have yet to shed their stereotypical image of a soccer mom hauling her kids to practice and are generally viewed as being boring vehicles. The all new redesigned
2011 Toyota Sienna, however, dares to challenge these ideas and brings some of the much needed "oomph" factor that minivans are in dire need of. So what's all the hype about? Simply put, a LOT has changed with the new Sienna. Not only are they a lot safer thanks to Toyota Star Safety System but the 2011 model marks the beginning of its third generation. It is in fact the first completely redesigned Sienna in seven years and quite possibly the most attractive minivan in the market today.
The 2011 Sienna lets you choose from five different trims namely the base, LE, XLE, Limited and the sporty new SE. Among the big changes, the base and LE models now come with a more fuel efficient (but less powerful) four-cylinder 1AR-FE engine (although the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE is still available as an option for whom power is important). Toyota expects EPA-estimated mileage figures of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for models powered by the 4-cylinder engine, 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for 2WD V6 models, and 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for All Wheel Drive (AWD) models - all very reasonable figures for a minivan. Additionally, the Sienna remains the ONLY minivan that offers the All Wheel Drive option. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system also replaces the hydraulic system that was previously used.
Other improvements include a 6-speed automatic transmission, an optional sliding second row with recliners nicknamed "Lounge Seating" (standard on the XLE AWD and Limited trims), Toyota's keyless Smart Key System with push-button start, and a 16.4-inch split screen Dual View Entertainment Center that can show two programs at once. The interior is roomy and comfortable - cargo space is never an issue. The SE trim is especially slick and features "Altezza" style tail lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, revised steering tuning, and a firmer suspension.
With all these great features, the base 2011 Toyota Sienna starts at under 25K (below the 2010 Toyota Sienna and around $2,000 less than the Honda Odyssey). And oh yeah, the Sienna was NOT one of the vehicles affected by Toyota's accelerator recall or the recalls regarding rusting spare tire holders which affected the 1998-2010 model year Siennas. If you are looking to buy a family vehicle, this baby is an absolute must-have on your short list. This may in fact be the best to buy as Toyota is offering some incredible deals to help rebuild its image and dealers are more eager to negotiate on price. As Toyota puts it, "Mommy Like"!
Buyers looking for a safe choice in the minivan segment will undoubtedly find themselves considering the Toyota Sienna. Since its introduction in 1998, the Sienna has posted some of the best crash test scores of any minivan on the market. That fact alone makes it a good choice, new or used, for buyers who prize safety above all other attributes when shopping for a family vehicle.
Besides that, the Sienna has an excellent reputation for overall quality and long-term dependability, which make it a hassle-free vehicle to drive day in and day out, while contributing to peace of mind on long road trips. Add a refined and fuel-efficient V6 engine, a smooth ride and surprisingly upscale interior accommodations to the mix, and it's easy to see why the Toyota Sienna minivan is a strong seller.
Current Toyota SiennaThe fully redesigned Toyota Sienna minivan comes in five trim levels -- base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The LE and XLE come in seven- and eight-passenger configurations, while the base and Limited are seven-passenger only and the SE is eight-passenger only. All trims come with front-wheel drive while the LE, XLE and Limited can also be had with all-wheel drive. The base and LE models come with a 2.7-liter inline-4 that makes 187 horsepower; available on those two trims and standard on all others is a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base Sienna includes alloy wheels, dual sliding rear doors, tri-zone air-conditioning and full power accessories. The LE adds niceties like a back-up camera, while the LE V6 tacks on power-sliding side doors and an upgraded audio system. The SE includes bigger wheels, sporty styling cues and unique upholstery and instrumentation. The XLE goes to town with a power liftgate, a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery, and the XLE AWD includes second-row lounge seats with pop-up footrests. The Limited features dual sunroofs, the second-row lounge seats, a power-folding third-row seat and JBL audio. Adaptive cruise control, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system highlight the options list.
In reviews, we've been impressed with the current Sienna's versatile interior, even if the dashboard materials and design are a notch below the previous Sienna's upscale standard. Seven-passenger Siennas allow the second-row captain's chairs to be pushed together to create a bench seat. The eight-passenger version uses a second-row bench, while models fitted with the lounge seats offer La-Z-Boy comfort to those in the second row, provided their legs aren't particularly long. On the road, the V6's smooth and powerful acceleration impresses, and while the four makes just adequate power, it compensates with better fuel economy. The cabin is quiet at speed, and the ride is comfy. Overall, the Sienna belongs on any minivan shopper's short list.
