The Toyota Sienna is a minivan that has been through many changes in recent years. The new styling is the first to be noticed, but the biggest changes are on the inside. The Sienna offers many new luxury features and convenience driven accommodations. There is also a new engine for the 2011 Toyota Sienna. The big boom in minivan sales is over, but there is still a demand for these Jacks of all trades in the family vehicle market. The new look of the Sienna hopes to appeal to a younger crowd and with more features than ever on the interior the Sienna offers a much more luxurious ride that is well equipped for longer rides.
There many trim levels available that offer special styling, alternate motors and even more accommodating internal features like climate control and extra power ports. The Sienna from Toyota starts out at $24,469 and can cost much more with the high end trim, but this is very affordable starting point for most consumers. The Sienna also offers a surprising 24 MPG on the highway which make it a viable alternate to a smaller vehicle for long family trips.
The Range
Body styles: Minivan
Engines: 2.4L I-4, 3.5L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE, Limited
What's New
The Sienna is new for 2011, with new styling, the addition of a four-cylinder engine option, a new six-speed automatic transmission, and new trim levels. Interior options on the new Sienna include Lounge Seating in the second row, a 16.4-inch-wide dual-view entertainment center, and a rearview camera that offers a 180-degree view. The Sienna's doors are wider and the second row slides as much as 23 inches.
Exterior
The Sienna retains the traditional minivan shape, but new touches, such as a new grille and new front- and rear-end treatments, are supposed to make it look more like a crossover. The sporty Sienna SE trim adds 19-inch wheels and side skirts.
Interior
The 2011 Toyota Sienna's second row slides as much as 23 inches, to make it easier for passengers to get into and out of. The Sienna's third row folds flat (power optional), and the Sienna's Lounge Seating -- which includes leg and foot support -- is an available option.
Performance & Handling
The sporty Sienna SE, new for 2011, comes with a 265-horsepower V-6, its own suspension tuning, and 19-inch wheels, but that isn't the only model that'll get up and go. The volume-selling Sienna LE, with the new 2.7-liter, 187-horsepower four, gets the Sienna to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds while providing fuel economy of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The Sienna's wider track further improves the minivan's handling.
Safety
Seven airbags -- dual front, dual front seat-mounted side, three-row side curtain, and driver knee -- are standard on the 2011 Sienna, as are four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist, stability control, and traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Sienna grade: 18-19 mpg city/24 mpg highway
LE: 16-19 mpg city/22-24 mpg highway
XLE, Limited: 16-18 mpg city/22-24 mpg highway
SE: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Good power
- Easy-to-configure interior
- Good mileage
- Creature comforts
- Cargo room
You Won't Like
- Can get pricey
- Rougher ride in SE
Sum Up
May be the new minivan standard
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda Odyssey
- Chrysler Town & Country
- Kia Sedona
- Volkswagen Routan