2011 Toyota Sienna Official Photos and Info Car and Driver
03.12.09
While the market continues its current swing from giant SUVs to smaller crossover vehicles—only after moving from vans to those big SUVs—Toyota believes that the minivan market is poised for a comeback. With that in mind, the Japanese automaker rolled out its third-generation Sienna at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show .
Redesigned inside and out, Toyota promises the new Sienna has been reinvented with contemporary styling and a fun-to-drive spirit. A minivan that’s fun to drive, you ask? In an effort to make good on this promise, Toyota has created a new “sporty” SE model with a unique front fascia, side skirts, 19-inch wheels, smoked taillights, and a lowered, sport-tuned suspension. It will also feature unique gauges and interior colors for those racy moms and dads late for soccer practice.
But contemporary isn’t exactly what we’d call the remainder of the range’s new design. Although the styling is a vast improvement over the ripened previous generation’s, the overall look is much like that of a squared-off Venza. It’s not that the new shape doesn’t look good, but we’re not exactly smitten. We do like how the rear-door track has been cleverly hidden under the window.
The 2011 Sienna rides on the same wheelbase as before but is slightly wider and shorter overall. Powertrain options for the range—which includes base, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited models—will include a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 266 hp or the 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp, both of which are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy ratings for the four-cylinder are an impressive 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Steering has now gone full-electric, which Toyota claims will “deliver a more solid direct on-road feel.” All-wheel drive will continue to be offered with the V-6 on LE, XLE, and Limited models.
Luxurious Insides
Seating configurations for either seven or eight passengers will be available. All models are equipped with cruise control, three-zone air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, and remote keyless entry. They also include standard safety gizmos like ABS, stability control, and traction control. Opting for the V-6–equipped LE model will get you dual power-sliding rear doors, a power hatch, a backup camera, rear sunshades, XM satellite radio, a USB port with iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth with music-streaming capability.
The XLE adds leather seating with heated fronts, a sunroof, and an anti-theft system. Optional equipment on the XLE is a navigation system with a JBL 10-speaker sound system and a panorama rear camera, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a 16.4-inch widescreen display that can show two different programs side-by-side.
The top-level Limited model will feature luxurious second-row “Lounge Seating,” offering pop-up leg support. Also included are power-folding third-row seats, parking sensors, dual sunroofs, HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a pre-collision system with radar cruise.
While we don’t exactly see the new Sienna being the sporty and enthusiastic vehicle that Toyota describes it as, we are looking forward to experiencing what appears to be a plush new interior. Sales will begin in February of 2010 and pricing has yet to be released, but Toyota says the base 2011 Sienna will be cheaper than the current model, which starts at $25,340.
Source:
