LA Show 2009 Highlights: 2011 Toyota Sienna


Toyota exposed its third-generation 2011 Toyota Sienna to the world today at the LA Auto Show and announced that it will be available with a four-cylinder engine when it hits showrooms in February. But while one end of the Sienna spectrum represents value and economy, the opposite end still features V-6 power and a push to make the Sienna's cabin an extension of the buyer's living room. With sheet metal designed in California and engineering developed in Michigan, the 2011 Sienna was clearly developed in America for Americans. Despite a shrinking market segment, Toyota says that the minivan is still a viable model and expects that its new Sienna will attract buyers who may not currently be fans of the segment. A new four-cylinder engine - a 187-hp 2.7L unit plucked straight from the Venza - will be offered as standard on the lower-range Sienna models, while the venerable 3.5L V-6 with 266 hp will continue to offered to those seeking more scoot.

A bevy of brand-new tech and luxury features are optionally available, including a 16.4-in. Dual View widescreen monitor that allows two separate input sources to be displayed at once, second-row captain's chairs with built in ottomans ('Lounge Seating', as Toyota refers to it), and a three-zone climate control system. A Panorama Camera rear view system also makes its debut on the Sienna, using two separate cameras to give the driver a complete 180-degree view from behind the vehicle. The 2011 Sienna is offered in a total of five trim levels - Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited. All-wheel drive is optionally available with the V-6 engine on the LE, XLE, and Limited models, while the four-cylinder motor is available on Sienna grade and LE models. The SE model is offered for those who'd rather have a sports car than a minivan, and features a more aggressive front valence, side skirts, 19-in. wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and smoked taillights. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we expect to get the full skinny as we approach the 2011 Toyota Sienna's February on-sale date.
Thanks to: Motor Trend