2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Toyota Sienna Limited offers comfort and entertainment for rear-seat passengers, and a reasonably tech-filled driving experience, with some limitations.

The Sienna will be offered in five trim levels, the Sienna grade, LE, XLE, Limited and for the first time the SE trim. The new SE offers revised bodywork, “Altezza” style clear tail lamps, 19-inch wheels, firmer suspension and revised steering tuning for a sportier ride. All-wheel-drive is only available with the V6 engine on the LE, XLE and Limited model trims.

The previous 3.5-liter 2GR-FE continues, but for the first time the Sienna offers a four cylinder, the 1AR-FE. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replaces the previous hydraulic power steering system. Toyota expects EPA-estimated mileage figures of 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for models powered by the 4-cylinder engine, 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for 2WD V6 models ,and 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for AWD models. An optional tow package for V6 models is rated to tow 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg).

New features include an optional sliding second row with “Lounge Seating” recliner style chairs, a feature previously only seen on the Maybach 62 and Lexus LS 460L, and Toyota’s keyless Smart Key System with push-button start. The rear seat entertainment option now uses a 16.4-inch LCD screen which operates in two view modes, a single 16:9-ratio widescreen or two separate 4:3-ratio split screens with separate wireless headphones.

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For safety the back-up camera comes with a new 180º panoramic view. Other new options include a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as well as an automatic highbeam dimmer, Safety Connect and a more advanced stability control system known as Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management. A driver’s knee airbag is now standard as well.

Unlike Chrysler’s minivans Toyota decided not to offer a flat folding second row; instead the seats must be removed for extra cargo space. Toyota instead chose larger and heavier second row seats with more padding for comfort.

Toyota is the first automaker to offer a factory installed auto-access seat for disabled people. The one-touch rotating, power ascending/descending lift-up seat can lower to within 19 inches of the ground.

This video was produced and owned by Car-tech.