2010 Toyota Sienna: Versatile minivan offers convenience, safety

By Ken Chester Jr., Motor News Media Corporation

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 12:03 PM

Toyota's Sienna minivan brings the automaker's high quality and top safety standards to the competitive family van segment. The wide choice of model grades, an array of standard equipment and a variety of thoughtful features, make Sienna an impressive value.

Last year, Sienna received the following upgrades and enhancements: two new exterior colors, Super White and Blizzard Pearl; available 17-inch wheels for LE models; and a modified LE Premium Package which includes: 360-watt JBL Synthesis AM/FM/CD with six-disc changer with six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and rear seat entertainment system.

Offered in CE, LE, XLE and Limited trim levels and available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, the Toyota minivan is powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine connect to a silky-shifting five-speed automatic transmission.

Sienna's suspension hardware consists of independent MacPherson struts that control the front suspension while the rear features a torsion beam setup. Front and rear stabilizer bars work to keep the minivan stable and predictable.

Inside the cabin, extensive use of sound damping materials and superior aerodynamics set an impressive standard in low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics. Big, clear and uncluttered displays greet the driver. Controls and switches are convenient and easy to use. The driver enjoys a commanding view of the road. A universal mini-jack port is standard on all audio systems and allows connectivity to most portable music players.

The Sienna has two regular AC outlets for appliances - 115 watt in front and 100 watt in the cargo area at the rear. The wide openings of the dual sliding doors combine with hand grips in the "B" pillar to facilitate entry and exit. The flat interior floor increases the versatility of the available interior space. Seating is comfortable in all rows.

In its seven passenger configuration, the minivan features second-row captain's chairs with a passenger-side chair that can be moved side-to-side, offering either a bench or a bucket seating arrangement. In its eight-passenger configuration, the Sienna features a second-row, three-way split/folding bench with a Front and Center middle seat that can be moved almost 13-inches closer to the front seat, making infants and toddlers in child-seats more accessible.

All Sienna models come standard with a 60/40 Split & Stow third row bench seat that now features a new power folding third-row seat option that folds flat into the floor. Either side of the seat can be stowed separately with a low-effort, one-hand operation. With the entire rear seat stowed and the second row seats removed, four-by-eight sheets of plywood can be loaded flat onto Sienna's floor.

Safety features are plentiful: Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, vehicle stability control, traction control, battery saver, side-impact door beams, daytime running lights, and run-flat tires (AWD). LE adds engine immobilizer and fog lights (AWD). XLE adds anti-theft system and automatic headlamps. Limited adds front/rear sonar parking system and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Optional safety features include high-intensity headlamps, dynamic laser cruise control and navigation system.

EPA fuel economy:

City: 17, Highway: 21 to 23

Towing capacity:

3,500 pounds

Base Price Range:

$24,500 to $38,000 (estimated)

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