Description

Drive Time drives and gives a full review of the 2011 Toyota Sienna Review.

Transcript

There’s an all new minivan on the market. It’s the 2011 Toyota Sienna. And many of you have come to know it as the Swagger Wagon, thanks to those popular Toyota TV spots. So, follow me. This is by far the most luxurious minivan I’ve ever driven. Better than a first class ticket, back here is where you want to be. Relax in the recliner with feet propped on the autobin ottoman, put down your window, open your sunroof, and get ready for the movie on the wide screen. The Sienna limited with the premium package is a veritable family-style limousine. It feels and looks enormous now, but in actuality, it has the same wheel base and overall, is slightly shorter then last year’s model. It must be smoking mirrors because this Sienna plays more like a mini RV than a minivan. Though no one does minivan innovations quite as well as Chrysler, the Sienna packs in its fair share of cleverness. But what really jumps out of you is the rich quality, smart ergonomics, and elite features. Put a Lexus badge on this bad boy and you wouldn’t need to make any excuses. There’s clearly been a focus here on ease if use, whether it’s simply getting into any of the seven seats or finding places to put your stuff. The Sienna is a rolling example of form following function. Eight-passenger seating is also available. Though kudos should be given as well, the Sienna’s new form which in step with a lavish interior, resonates its own toning style. Sitting on 18-inch 10-Spoke wheels and flashing a wide chrome smile, the Sienna is as aesthetically pleasing as a large minivan can be. Powering this Sienna is the same 3.5-liter V6, making 266 horsepower, but now made it to a six-speed auto which ekes out one more mpg on the highway. This all-wheel drive model is good for 16 mpg city and 22 highway. A four-cylinder option is also new for this year. Engine strength from the V6 is prodigious without any problems hauling around the Sienna’s occupied weight of about 5,000 pounds. I really like the full allotment of offerings here. It’s flushed with features for both convenience and safety. And though not many will be able to rise all the way to the Sienna limited all-wheel drive model with its $40,000.00 plus price tag, those who do are getting an excellent travel companion. I am more that a little surprised that Toyota hasn’t copied some of the Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go wizardry of the Chrysler minivans and the body, basically a cavern of empty space, does exhibit a noticeable level of NVH on less than perfect roads. With all told, the Swagger Wagon moniker fits the Sienna quite nicely. For Drive Time on Yahoo Auto’s, I’m Steve Hammes.