TOYOTA SIENNA - A REPUTATION FOR FAMILY COMFORT AND UTILITY
09/10/2008
Toyota
The Toyota Sienna continues to be one of the most comfortable and utility-oriented family vans in its segment. It offers the only all-wheel drive (AWD) option among family vans on the market. For 2009, the Sienna gains optional 17-inch alloy wheels and additional option package changes for the LE model.
Performance
The Sienna's standard DOHC 3.5-liter V6 produces 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 245 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. A Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) system operates on both the intake and exhaust valves to ensure optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Impressive acceleration gives Sienna the power to merge with confidence. The Sienna returns EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 17/23 MPG for front-wheel-drive models and 16/21 MPG for AWD models.
Handling and Ride
A 119.3-inch wheelbase gives Sienna exceptional interior room and a smooth ride. The 36.8-foot turning circle is tighter than that of some midsize cars, helping to make the Sienna easily maneuverable. The AWD system employs a center differential to divide engine power 50:50 front and rear. Wheel slippage at either set of wheels automatically transfers more power to the opposite wheels to help maintain traction.
Since the integration of Toyota's STAR Safety System for the 2007 Sienna, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and rear disc brakes remain standard on all models. VSC helps the driver maintain control in adverse driving conditions, and the TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration.
Sienna AWD models come standard with 17-inch run-flat tires on aluminum-alloy wheels. Reinforced sidewalls and a special bead shape enable these tires to be driven with no air pressure for up to 100 miles at speeds up to 55 mph. A spare tire is also available. A direct-type tire pressure monitor system is standard on all Sienna models.
Safety
Sienna has been engineered to provide responsive, confident handling, and all models feature a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system applies maximum braking power until pedal pressure is released.
All seating positions are equipped with three-point seatbelts. Front seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags covering all three seat rows are standard equipment on all Sienna grades. The LATCH system (Lower Anchor with Tethers for Children) is used in all second-row seating positions.
An available DVD-based satellite navigation system for XLE and Limited models includes a backup camera. The camera automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation system's LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.
Comfort and Convenience
The wide choice of model grades, combined with extensive standard equipment and thoughtful features, makes Sienna a truly outstanding value. The Sienna is available in four model grades: CE, LE, XLE, and the top-of-the-line Limited. All four come in front-wheel drive configuration, and the LE, XLE, and Limited also offer AWD. The CE and LE are available in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations; others are seven-passenger models.
Sienna delivers a wide range of standard amenities. The XLE and Limited models respond to the growing demand for even higher levels of comfort and luxury in the minivan segment, with the Limited adding standard leather-trimmed upholstery, a 10-speaker premium sound system, heated front seats and other features.
Standard equipment on the CE includes power windows, door locks and mirrors; sliding rear doors with power windows; second-row captains chairs; keyless entry system, and deluxe AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. A universal mini-jack port standard on all audio systems allows connectivity to most portable music players.
Comfort, convenience and versatility are assured with a standard tilt/telescopic steering column; dual (front and rear) air conditioning; a folding tray table between the front seats; variable intermittent front and rear windshield wipers; 10 cup holders and four bottle holders; three 12-volt power outlets, and a heavy-duty rear window defogger.
In addition to, or in place of features on the CE grade, standard equipment for the LE includes an engine immobilizer; heated power mirrors; roof rails and crossbars; privacy glass; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; cruise control; driver's side power window with auto up/down and jam protection; driver's seat manual-adjustable lumbar support; illuminated vanity mirrors; unique LE seat fabric; a fold-flat front passenger seat, and a six-disc CD changer.
The XLE grade adds a host of comfort and convenience features, including dual power sliding doors and power open/close rear gate; tri-zone (driver/front passenger and rear) climate control with air filter; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat; removable center console, and unique seat fabric. An overhead console features a trip computer, outside temperature gauge and HomeLink(R) universal transceiver/garage door opener. The XLE also offers a standard anti-theft alarm and available leather-trimmed seats and fog lamps.
A memory system for the driver's seat and outside mirrors is standard on the Limited grade and optional for the XLE. The Limited's power-folding mirrors integrate puddle lamps and turn signals. Enhanced audio options include a JBL Synthesis 360-watt AM/FM//CD player with six-disc changer and ten speakers.
The top-of-the-line Limited brings a true feeling of luxury to this family vehicle. The comprehensive upgrade adds: leather-trimmed seats; second- and third-row sunshades; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 225/60 R17 all-season tires (run-flats with AWD); front and rear parking sonar; wood grain and leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls; JBL Synthesis AM/FM/CD with six-disc changer and 10-speaker surround sound audio system; heated front seats with adjustable temperature control; chrome exterior accents; windshield wiper de-icer grid, and auto-dimming driver's side mirror and inside rear view mirrors.
Options
A wide selection of optional convenience features enhances Sienna's versatility and comfort. Some of these include a DVD rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and nine-inch screen; navigation system with backup camera; 115-volt power outlets; second- and third-row sunshades, and a JBL Synthesis AM/FM/CD with six-disc changer and 10-speaker surround sound audio system.
The JBL Synthesis audio system integrates Bluetooth(R) technology to provide a hands-free communication system when used with a compatible cellular phone. A call can be dialed by using the navigation display screen's keypad, and incoming calls can be answered and ended by pushing a button located on the steering wheel. When receiving a call, the audio system is automatically muted, and the speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.
Interior Design
Sienna delivers exceptional passenger and cargo room, with a focus on intelligent space optimization. The dashboard-mounted gated shifter allows pass-through room between the front seats. Sienna offers two distinctly different second-row seating options that are easy to adjust, tumble, or remove. In its seven-passenger configuration, Sienna features second-row captains chairs with a passenger-side chair that can be repositioned side-to-side, offering either a bench or a "captain's chairs" arrangement.
The CE and LE grades offer an eight-passenger configuration. A second-row, three-way split/folding bench includes a Front and Center(R) middle seat that can be moved nearly 13 inches closer to the front seats, making infants and toddlers in child-seats more accessible to the front passenger.
All Sienna models are equipped with a standard versatile 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd Row(TM) bench seat 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-foot sheets of plywood can be loaded flat onto the floor. The Limited FWD model offers a power-operated third-row version that makes switching from carrying passengers to cargo even easier.
Sienna is assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind., with more than 90 percent of its content sourced from North American suppliers. Both the engine and the transmission are assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing powertrain production facility in West Virginia.