The aforementioned 4-cylinder, also found under the hood of the Highlander, is a 2.7L unit that sends 187 horsepower to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission…with sequential shift! Gear changes are totally seamless, contributing to smooth driving and a comfortable ride.
By the way, this "little engine that could" produces 12 horsepower more than the 3.3-litre V6 of entry-level Grand Caravans, allowing the Sienna to reach 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds despite weighing nearly two full tons.
Granted, we’re far from lightning-quick accelerations, but none of my colleagues at the scout club ever complained. No one was aiming to break speed records behind the wheel of this do-it-all vehicle. Fuel economy proved way more important and all were pleased by the average of 11 litres per 100 kilometres. "It’s a lot less thirsty than my old Ford Freestar," exclaimed my good pal Alain, who knows quite a thing or two about minivans.
Passenger comfort and driving dynamics also generated positive comments. The soft bucket seats and friendly, albeit light steering are some examples. The ultra-short turning radius (best in class at 11.2 metres) came in very handy during parking manœuvres.
On the highway, the steering requires slight corrections by the driver from time to time. That’s because the power assist doesn’t add enough weight at high speeds. The brakes disappointed with similar softness and a lack of progressiveness.
Plenty of versatility
Above all, the strength of the 2011 Toyota Sienna comes from exemplary versatility. This 7-passenger vehicle (V6 models can sit up to 8) turns into a cavernous, two-passenger van once you fold the rear seats. The 60/40 split and stow third-row seat conveniently disappears under the floor à la Honda Odyssey. As for the second-row captain’s chairs (standard), they’re mounted on rails and the cushions tip up so that the seats can slide further forward, creating more room for cargo and easier access to the third row. All seats can be removed, incidentally, but be careful as they each weigh over 20 kilos – a lot heavier than a toddler!
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| The new-for-2011 exterior is 2-centimetre shorter overall (with a 5-cm shorter front overhang). (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
By the way, this "little engine that could" produces 12 horsepower more than the 3.3-litre V6 of entry-level Grand Caravans, allowing the Sienna to reach 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds despite weighing nearly two full tons.
Granted, we’re far from lightning-quick accelerations, but none of my colleagues at the scout club ever complained. No one was aiming to break speed records behind the wheel of this do-it-all vehicle. Fuel economy proved way more important and all were pleased by the average of 11 litres per 100 kilometres. "It’s a lot less thirsty than my old Ford Freestar," exclaimed my good pal Alain, who knows quite a thing or two about minivans.
Passenger comfort and driving dynamics also generated positive comments. The soft bucket seats and friendly, albeit light steering are some examples. The ultra-short turning radius (best in class at 11.2 metres) came in very handy during parking manœuvres.
On the highway, the steering requires slight corrections by the driver from time to time. That’s because the power assist doesn’t add enough weight at high speeds. The brakes disappointed with similar softness and a lack of progressiveness.
Plenty of versatility
Above all, the strength of the 2011 Toyota Sienna comes from exemplary versatility. This 7-passenger vehicle (V6 models can sit up to 8) turns into a cavernous, two-passenger van once you fold the rear seats. The 60/40 split and stow third-row seat conveniently disappears under the floor à la Honda Odyssey. As for the second-row captain’s chairs (standard), they’re mounted on rails and the cushions tip up so that the seats can slide further forward, creating more room for cargo and easier access to the third row. All seats can be removed, incidentally, but be careful as they each weigh over 20 kilos – a lot heavier than a toddler!
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| Passenger comfort and driving dynamics generated positive comments. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |