2011 Toyota Sienna

Summary

The 2011 Toyota Sienna is the first all-new Sienna in more than seven years. It replaces the 2004-2010 second-generation Sienna and gets expressive new styling, more interior room, additional safety features, and reclining bucket seats that would be at home in a private jet. Better fuel economy is on tap thanks to an available four-cylinder engine to accompany the carried-over V-6, itself more fuel-efficient for 2011. And the 2011 Sienna remains the only minivan available with all-wheel drive.

Full Review 2011

2011 Mechanics and Style

The redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna kicks off the third-generation of this minivan and Toyota dumps its boring lozenge shape for sculpted curves and a more solid stance on the road. The 2011 Sienna styling wisely takes cues from Toyota's best-looking vehicle, the 2011 Toyota Venza crossover SUV. Swelled wheel arches help the 2011 Sienna look hunkered down over its larger new tires. Despite the new styling, the 2011 Toyota Sienna's exterior dimensions change little. The 2011 Sienna again matches the Odyssey as one of only two minivans that can seat eight. For 2011, Sienna's seats slide fore and aft over a greater span to allow for more leg room in all rows. The 2011 Toyota Sienna lineup returns with a base trim level, popular LE model, luxury XLE version, and the top-of-the-line Limited. The 2011 Toyota Sienna SE is visually distinguished by a more aggressive grille appearance, lower side skirting, smoked-lens taillamps, and unique instrumentation and interior trim.

By adding the alternative of a four-cylinder engine, the 2011 Toyota Sienna is the first minivan in years to stray from the V-6-engine-only formula. In the 2011 Sienna, however, it's saddled with several hundred additional pounds of vehicle weight. The four-cylinder is standard in 2011 Sienna base and LE models. Optional in the 2011 Sienna LE and standard in the SE, XLE, and Limited models is a slightly revised version of the second-generation's 3.5-liter V-6. V-6 Siennas can pull trailers up to 3,500 pounds. Sienna returns with front-wheel drive, the layout used in all minivans. Sienna, however, repeats as the only minivan to also offer the added security of all-wheel drive (AWD). Every 2011 Sienna comes with an enhanced version of Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Optional on the 2011 Sienna Limited model is Toyota's new Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management. All 2011 Siennas come with alloy wheels. Base models and front-wheel-drive LE and XLE models have 17-inch tires. Limited and AWD models have 18s.The 2011 Sienna SE has 19-inch wheels and tires that compliment a lowered, sport-tuned suspension.

2011 Toyota Sienna Lounge Seats

All Sienna second-row buckets have dual armrests and a full 23 inches of travel to slide rearward for better leg room or closer to the front seats for child attending. The 2011 Sienna Limited and XLE AWD models come with an illuminated center console that slides to serve both the first- and second-row seats. Sienna's third-row is a 60/40 split bench and Toyota says there's room for five golf bags behind it. The third-row folds into a floor well (with power operation on front-drive Limited models) and the second-row seats can be removed. Among notable features is Toyota's new Dual View Entertainment Center option. All 2011 Siennas come with torso-protecting front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags for all three seating rows, and a new driver's side knee airbag. Toyota's latest Safety Connect telematics system is standard on the 2011 Sienna Limited and optional on the XLE. It offers automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, an emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. 2011 Toyota Sienna Prices

Toyota won't release 2011 Sienna prices until shortly before the third-generation model goes on sale. Expect the 2011 Toyota Sienna base model to start around $25,000 with the four-cylinder engine, around $26,800 with the V-6. Anticipate the step-up 2011 Toyota Sienna LE model to be priced from around $26,000 with the four. (Estimated base prices in this report include the manufacturer's destination fees; Toyota's fee for the 2010 Sienna was $800.)

2011 Features

Standard features on the 2011 Sienna base model and the four-cylinder LE includes cruise control, tri-zone air conditioning, front and sliding-door power windows with auto up/down, AM/FM CD player with four speakers, auxiliary iPod jack, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and three 12-volt power outlets.

Estimated base price for the 2011 Toyota Sienna LE V-6 model is about $28,500. It also has a power driver's seat with power lumbar support and an electrochromatic rearview mirror with Homelink automatic garage-door control. The audio system on the 2011 Sienna LE V-6 upgrades by adding USB iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone and music streaming, and steering wheel audio controls. The LE V-6 features can be added to the four-cylinder LE model as an option package.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna SE model is positioned between the LE and XLE. Estimated starting price for the 2011 Toyota Sienna SE is about $29,500.

Expect the 2010 Toyota Sienna XLE to be priced from around $31,000. Among XLE options is a 10-speaker JBL sound system, a voice-activated DVD navigation system with real-time traffic, the Panorama rear camera, and Dual View Entertainment. AWD should add some $2,400-$3,500, depending on model.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited's estimated starting price is around $37,000. The Limited includes all the XLE stuff, and add as standard Lounge Seating and the power third-row seat, plus front and rear parking sonar, dual moonroof panels, and keyless pushbutton ignition. 2011 Toyota Sienna Fuel Economy

The EPA had not released 2011 fuel economy estimates in time for this review, but Toyota says the 2011 Toyota Sienna base and LE models with the four-cylinder engine will rate 19/26 mpg (city/highway).

Toyota says the 2011 Sienna with the V-6 will rate 18/24 mpg with front-wheel drive and 16//22 with AWD. By comparison, the 2010 Toyota Sienna with the same 3.5-liter V-6 was rated at 17/23 mpg with front-wheel drive and 16/21 with AWD.

Note the modest difference in estimated fuel economy between the 2011 Sienna four-cylinder models and the front-wheel-drive V-6 versions. What's Next For The Toyota Sienna

Looking Forward for the 2011 Sienna

The third-generation Toyota Sienna should go several seasons with only minor equipment juggling and perhaps some new colors before getting a mid-cycle facelift around model-year 2015. That should bring subtle styling changes that would sustain it until its next full redesign, probably for model-year 2018.

In the shorter term, look for periodic powertrain tweaks aimed at modest improvements in fuel economy. One avenue Toyota hasn't explored is the sort of cylinder-shut-off technology Honda has been using in a version of the Odyssey's V-6. Visit Trucktrend.com for another perspective on the 2011 Toyota Sienna. This saves fuel by automatically shutting down two or three cylinders during low-demand cruising, then instantly restarting them when needed.