Finally, the Ultimate Test-Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE
by Greg Cavanaugh
It’s weird that of all the vehicles I’ve driven, this is the only one that’s seriously got me scheming about how to get one. Why is it that I, a “car guy,” am most excited by a minivan??
When it comes to minivans, the field has done exactly the opposite of the crossover category, narrowed. There are basically five major choices: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Kia Sedona and the Dodge Caravan / Chrysler Town & Country / Volkswagen Routan. Ford and GM are not even players here. That being said, don’t think the competition isn’t tough. Basically the Honda is thought of as the “drivers” minivan (if there is such a thing), the Nissan as the quirky alternative, the Kia as the value choice and the Caravan as the everyman’s van. So where does that leave the Toyota Sienna? For those of you in the know, it’s basically the reliable, thoughtful, constantly improved but slightly less fun van in the category. And to be honest, that’s hard to argue with.
So let’s evaluate the Sienna for what it is, the consummate, practical, do-everything family-hauling, road-tripping machine.
Style: Restyled for 2011, the Sienna is indeed more attractive. While some might say Honda went over the top with their 2011 redesign of the Odyssey, the new Sienna is clearly a progression of the last. A bit sleeker, a bit more refined with a very small touch of attitude not present in the previous Sienna. Personally, I like it. Minivans are notoriously hard to make look like anything other than the family hauler that they are and Toyota was smart to not try and pass their van off as anything other than what it is.
Space: Plenty! Frankly, all the current minivans have become basically the same size, and it just comes down to packaging. Other than the Caravan’s Stow ‘n Go second row, the Sienna can’t be beat. The Sienna’s second row captain chairs move back and forth easily and with lots of range, increasing ingress/egress for the third row and versatility with passengers of varying size. While not new to the 2011 Sienna, the removable second row middle seat is smartly executed and can easily be stored in the far rear corner of the van, since this is probably the least used seat in any minivan, but ever so important to have for 8-passenger capacity or even for a newborn baby seat. With the rear seat folded, a family of five has all the space they need for a lengthy camping trip. And of course with the second row seats removed as well, moving that college freshman into the dorms is a one-trip wonder. (Maybe not the choice for parents having a hard time letting go.) And of course, we can’t forget the bevy of cup holders, nooks and small storage compartments throughout.
Luxury: My top-of-the-line Sienna was loaded to the hilt and dressed to impress. Parents are often split about the wipe-ability of leather seats verses their durability. I’ve always been a leather fan and, if I had the choice, would want it, too. What most stood out to me in my test-drive was just how impressive the rear seat entertainment systems in modern minivans have become! The Sienna has a massive 16.4 inch-wide screen capable of showing two different sources simultaneously via split screen along with wireless headphones and independent volume controls. It goes without saying that, “I spy with my little eye . . .” and other highway games are having a hard time competing! This model was also equipped with a navigation system, satellite radio, heated seats, power sliding doors and tailgate, moon roof, backup camera, smart key (which I love) and pretty much every other luxury item you could want. Whether optioned to the gills or a reasonably equipped base model, the Sienna is smooth, quiet and refined. While I wouldn’t call it sporty, Toyota has kept the ride comfortable without being wallowy or lazy . . . exactly what a van should be.
Efficiency: This was the one area of the Sienna where I was a bit surprised. While still more efficient than a SUV with similar capacity, particularly in the city at 18 mpg, the EPA highway rating of 24 mpg, I found to be a bit low. I would have expected 25 or even 26 mpg, and compared with the new Odyssey’s 28, it seems low. Pairing a 3.5-liter V6 making 265 hp to a 6-speed automatic, the Sienna was plenty spunky for highway entrance ramps and the occasional pass on a rural two-lane highway. Clearly not intended to win any races, but as quick or quicker even than a typical crossover or full size SUV. What I failed to determine is why Toyota is not producing a hybrid Sienna. They already have the necessary technology on the road in the Highlander Hybrid, and I can’t imagine there not being a market for it, especially if it’s the only hybrid minivan on the market. My only possible answer, that I doubt is true, is space. Modern minivans are so well packaged, with every inch of the vehicle optimized to maximize interior space, perhaps there is simply nowhere to put the battery pack. Nonetheless, I’d like to see Toyota eek out a few more miles per gallon in the near future to further solidify the minivan as the maximum efficiency for the maximum space!
It may say something about my place in life as a father of two, or it may be the über-practical side in me, but I really just can’t understand why more people don’t drive these vehicles! With so many Americans driving around large SUVs and 4-door trucks getting terrible gas mileage with less space, I can’t make the case enough. Minivans are rad, and by the standards mentioned above, the Sienna is the raddest!
Again, thanks to Jim at Amigo for getting me a test-drive. I was right; my son was born on the day I said I’d bring it back!!
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel drive, 8-passenger, 5-door van
BASE PRICE: $25,060 PRICE AS TESTED: $40,750
ENGINE: DOHC 24-valve, 3.5-liter, V-6, 266 hp, 245 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 119.3 in Length: 200.2 in
Width: 78.2 in Height: 68.9 in
Curb weight: 4300–4750 lb
FUEL ECONOMY: EPA city/highway driving: 18/24 mpg
