2011 Toyota Sienna Car Review

According to Toyota, the all new 3rd Generation 2011 Sienna will look and drive more like a Sedan conformed to new ideas about personal comfort, easily accommodate cargo and handled big loads. The 2011 Sienna has been completely redesigned to handle these needs as it shifts to a more expressive and dynamic vehicle with a stronger profile, high shoulder character and responsive handling.

Toyota says that with state of the art features and rewarding driving dynamics, it is a vehicle like current mini-vans, passenger car and sport utility vehicle owners will find satisfying to drive. Siena will offer new models including a sporty SC and 4-cylinder powertrain as it continues to be the only mini van with an all wheel drive option. A choice of two engines will be available, a 3.5 liter V6 or a 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine.

The V6 generates 266 horsepower would expect an EPA estimated mileage ratings of 18 mpg, city in 24, highway. It also has a 3500 pound towing capacity. A 4-cylinder engine will be offered for the first time in the Sienna with 187 horsepower, the 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine produces responsive power that exceeds some competitors V6 performance while delivering expected EPA estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg, city and 26 highway. Off engines are match with Sienna’s first electronically controlled 6-speed transmission with sequential shift.

The new SC trim is designed for those who appreciate and even sportier design with responsive performance. The front has a more aggressive appearance. The side skirting visually lowers the vehicle and smoke tail lights making distinctive statement. Aero dynamic sculpting hugs to standard 19-inch alloy wheels. The SC seats lower on a sport tuned suspension for quicker feedback and better handling and it comes with exclusive instrumentation and unique anterior colors and trim.

Both seven and eight seat cabins can be configured for a full contingent of passengers, a load of cargo or a convenient mix of both. In seven seat cabins, the second row captain’s chairs slide 23 inches moving to the rear to create leg room for the tallest passengers and easier ingress and egress. They can be moved forward to close to the front seats to make it easier to care for a child passenger while also allowing easy access for 3rd row passengers.

The Sienna will come in five grades, Siena grade LE, SC, XLE and Limited. All wheel drive is available with the V6 on LE, XLE in Limited models. All others are front wheel drive, pricing starts at $24,260.00 and rises to around $40,000.00 fully loaded.

For Drive Time on Yahoo Autos, I’m Steve Hammes.