Toyota is injecting sportiness into the minivan segment with its new 2011 Sienna. Flashes of chrome, a more aggressive grille and handsome, 10-spoke alloy wheels add up to a big image improvement. In a funny television spot, a balding dad is transformed by his family's new Sienna, a.k.a. his "swaggerwagon." Well, my test drive last week at Toyota of Cleveland didn't grow any hair on my bald spot, but it sure brought a smile to my face. "It's got a bold, sporty look to it," said Gregg Bain, a sales consultant at Toyota of Cleveland.
INTERIOR FEATURES: Minivan sales are driven by three factors: roominess, safety and comfort. For several years, large SUVs have peeled away some minivan customers by adding a dash of masculinity to the family formula. On our seven-passenger Sienna tester, the second-row captain's seats recline and feature retractable footrests. Add a dualscreen DVD system, and the rear quarters of the Sienna are more comfortable than some suburban family rooms.
The leather-clad interior of the Sienna Limited gets my vote as minivan cockpit of the year. Two-tone leathers - gray and beige - give the Sienna a super-premium look you don't expect to see in mass-market brands. The dash is a handsome blend of faux wood veneers contrasted with light plastics. The wood-trimmed steering wheel looks as if it was lifted from a Lexus.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: Our Sienna tester is powered by a Toyota six-cylinder engine making 265 horsepower. In late day traffic on the Cleveland, Tenn., bypass, the Sienna felt nimble. Even on an extremely windy day, the van was stable.
OPTIONS AND PRICING: The top-of-the-line Limited trim Sienna bases for $38,500. A $4,025 premium package includes the dual-screen DVD screens, a navigation system and 10-speaker JBL sound system. Leather trim, heated front seats and tri-zone climate control are some of the goodies that come standard on the Sienna Limited. Our tester stickered for $44,555, before discounts. On the comfort scale, the Sienna rates a 10, and the fresh styling may even attract a few SUV-driving dads.
TEST DRIVE
TESTED MODEL: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited.
ENGINE: 3.5-liter, V-6.
TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic.
FUEL EFFICIENCY: 24 mpg highway, 18 mpg city.
BASE PRICE: $38,500.
PRICE AS TESTED: $44,555
View Mark Kennedy's Facebook page for his Test Drive and Life Stories columns.