2011 Toyota Sienna overview

2011 Toyota Sienna

The 2011 Toyota Sienna may be the Japanese automaker's third-generation minivan, but Toyota emphasizes that the new Sienna is becoming more car like than ever. Toyota says the base price of the 2011 Sienna will come in below the current vehicle's $25,000 price point. Competition includes the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, the Kia Sedona, the Nissan Quest and the Honda Odyssey.

The 2011 Sienna has new body panels with a more dynamic front end, but it's nothing to draw a flash mob or attract civil disobedience. Inside, the Sienna has adopted the latest Toyota styling theme, with a dramatic arc separating driving controls from secondary and passenger-shared controls. Plastic trim is replaced on some versions by matt wood grain trim; pricier versions get Optitron gauges like those in some Lexus models.

For 2011, the Toyota Sienna has been completely redesigned. Changes include a new entry-level four-cylinder version as well as a sport-tuned (yes, we're serious) SE trim level.

The newest Toyota Sienna is virtually the same size as the outgoing version, and as before it can seat seven or eight passengers and has available all-wheel drive -- Sienna exclusive. What hasn't changed much is the Sienna's basic and likable character, which means a smooth, quiet ride, easy handling, comfortable seating and plenty of family-friendly features. Now, however, Toyota offers the Toyota Sienna SE to appeal to that same consumer. The Sienna also has a quieter ride and continues to offer the option of all-wheel drive.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan comes in five trim levels – base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All trims come with front-wheel drive while the LE, XLE and Limited can also be had with all-wheel drive.

The base Toyota Sienna includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual sliding rear doors with power-down windows, triple-zone air-conditioning, full power accessories, a telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. The four-cylinder LE adds privacy glass, heated side mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a 3.5-inch display (includes a back-up monitor), floor and overhead consoles and an 8-way (manual) driver seat. The LE V6 adds a roof rack, power-sliding side doors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power lumbar supports (front seats), second- and third-row sunshades, Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system (with satellite radio, a USB jack, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth audio).

The Toyota Sienna XLE features a unique metallic gray grille insert, a power lift gate, a sunroof, a tow prep package, triple-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, wood grain interior trim, a power driver seat, heated front seats and auto-up/down power windows. The plush Limited features 18-inch alloy wheels, a satin chrome grille, power-folding side mirrors (with auto-dimming, signal repeaters and puddle lamps), dual sunroofs, keyless ignition/entry, two-tone leather seating, driver memory settings, a leather-and-wood steering wheel, an upgraded 10-speaker JBL surround-sound audio system, second-row lounge seats and a power-folding/split third-row seat.

Options on the Toyota Sienna are grouped into packages that vary based on trim level and buying region.

Powertrain and Performance

The Sienna LE, XLE and Limited V6 models can also be had with all-wheel drive. The EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the four-cylinder/front-wheel-drive models, with the V6/front-wheel-drive versions earning estimates of 18/24/20 and V6/AWD rating 16/22/18.

Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, a windshield and a full complement of airbags (including driver knee, front-seat side and full-length side curtain) are standard on all 2011 Toyota Sienna models. Seven-passenger Sienna’s feature second-row captains chairs that tip up to allow easier access to the third row. The eight-passenger version uses a 40/20/40-split second-row bench whose center section slides close to the front seats for easier access to the little one seated there.

With the second-row seats out and the third row stowed, the Toyota Sienna provides a massive 150 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

The Sienna's ride quality is plush, and handling is competent in all versions. The base model Toyota Sienna, designated as the LE, will list from $24,260, undercutting the current model by $340. The rear of the new Sienna is highlighted by LED taillights.

The Sienna's mileage drops to 16 cities, 22 highways with AWD.

The Toyota Sienna LE will be positioned as the base-model van and is expected to be the most popular model. The top-billing in the Sienna lineup will be the Limited model. For young buyers not looking to give up driving excitement, Toyota will offer a sport-oriented SE model. The SE model will feature a sport-tuned suspension, tuned steering, a unique front fascia with sport grille and 19-inch wheels, rear-exit exhaust that is molded into the rear bumper, as well as a specially trimmed interior.