Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna

2011 Toyota Sienna Overview

With a restyled interior and exterior, a new four-cylinder engine, improved fuel economy and available all-wheel drive, the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan is geared toward families, while appealing to the people who buy them—mom and dad.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna is generating lots of excitement with its new look, and that’s a big deal considering it’s a minivan.  The new-look Sienna incorporates components from Toyota’s crossover Venza and Camry sedan.  The hood is tapered and the side panel lines are bold and distinct.  The 2011 Toyota Sienna is available in five trims: base, LE, sport-tuned SE, XLE and Limited and features three different grille designs: blacked-out mesh, blacked-out blades and chrome blades.  The SE features clear-lens taillights, 19-inch wheels and lower side skirts, while a rooftop spoiler is standard on all trims. A keyless access system with push-button start, power liftgate, power sliding doors are available features.

On the inside, the 2011 Toyota Sienna is a shade shorter than last year’s model, but offers more width.  The Sienna features a second row of captain’s chairs with an optional removable center seat that stows in a nook behind the third row.  Both chairs tilt and slide forward to access the third row.  A power 60/40 Split & Stow third row seat folds into the floor for added room.  So, depending on the configuration, the 2011 Sienna can seat up to eight occupants.  

Under the Sienna’s hood are two engines: a new 2.7-liter, 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter, 266-horsepower V-6.  Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional with the V-6 on the LE, XLE and Limited trims.  The new four-cylinder engine provides added fuel economy for mileage-conscious drivers.  All-together, the 2011 Sienna receives 16-19 mpg in the city and 22-24 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to safety, the 2011 Toyota Sienna has you covered. All trims have seat-mounted front and side curtain airbags. The driver and passenger airbags deploy in two stages to lessen trauma. Toyota’s Pre-Collision System alerts the driver, tightens the seat belts and starts to brake when a collision is detected. To further assuage any fears, the 2011 Toyota Sienna received a “Good” rating—the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest score.  All-disc antilock brakes, electronic stability system and traction control come standard.

Remember what it’s like to be a kid again while with the kids in the spacious, safe, powerful, efficient and restyled 2011 Toyota Sienna.

2011 Toyota Sienna - First Drive

Although many automakers have pulled the plug on their minivan programs, Toyota says the market for family haulers is primed for a rebound. To that end, Toyota released its third-generation 2011 Toyota Sienna at the Los Angeles Auto Show today that it expects to appeal to those who grew up with the vans either as children or as parents -- namely today's Gen-Xers and empty-nesters. Packing more technology, comfort, and economy than ever before, Toyota believes its new Sienna is well-positioned to become the minivan of choice in a segment with fewer choices than ever.

Designed in Southern California and engineered in Michigan, the very-American 2011 Sienna will offer a choice of two engines when it launches next year, the initial offering being the same 266-hp 3.5L V-6 as is available in the current Sienna. Later in the launch period, Toyota will also offer a 187-hp 2.7L I-4, the same engine that's currently available in the Toyota Venza (and is holding a 50% take-rate in that model, according to execs). Toyota expects EPA ratings to increase slightly for the four-cylinder-equipped models, rising from 18/24 mpg city/highway with the front-drive V-6, to 19/26 mpg city/highway with the four. Both engines will arrive with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. All-wheel drive -- a segment exclusive according to Toyota -- continues as an option for the new model, and towing capacity with the V-6 is an SUV-like 3500 lbs.

Toyota has made efforts to push the feel and layout of its minivan upmarket, and the effort shows in some of the Sienna's luxury and technological features. A Dual View Entertainment Center makes its debut on the 2011 Sienna, offering the choice of displaying a single source in 16.4-in. widescreen movie format, or two separate sources, each occupying half of the screen. Additionally, a Panorama Camera rear monitor gives two views behind the Sienna, allowing for a full 180-degree view as well as on-screen back-up guides.

Meanwhile, concessions are made to passenger comfort with additional storage bins, cupholders, and cargo spaces, all strategically placed for maximum benefit. Designers strived to maintain an open field of view throughout the cabin, giving a light, airy feeling to the interior, while improving visibility for all passengers. The cabin is configurable for seven-, or optionally, eight-person seating and in the former, the second-row captain's chairs allow for 23-in. of forward mobility, enhancing third-row legroom substantially. New to the top-flight Limited trim level is standard second-row Lounge Seating that includes leather seats with retractable built-in ottomans. Flagship Limited Sienna models also receive a power 60/40 split third-row folding seat, front and rear parking sonar, and a dual moonroof.

Toyota also catered to a special group of minivan buyers with the 2011 Sienna -- the ones that really wanted to buy a sports car, but needed the practicality of a van. For that market, Toyota created the Sienna SE. With a more aggressive looking front fascia, aerodynamic side skirts that also visually lower the vehicle, 19-in. alloy wheels (an SE exclusive), a sports-tuned suspension, and smoked tail lamps.

grade and LE -- the two bottom-most trims -- and XLE, which slots in beneath Limited. If you want the four-cylinder engine, however, you'll have to opt for the first two trim levels -- the SE, XLE, and Limited are available with the V-6 only.

The Sienna is set to hit U.S. Toyota showrooms in February 2010, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.