2006 Toyota Sienna - Review

The passenger-friendly Sienna minivan is graced with several styling enhancements for 2006 that include a restyled front fascia with an updated grille, foglamps, and headlamps, redesigned taillamp clusters, new interior fabrics and silver dash accents on CE and LE versions, and backlit Optitron instrumentation on LE, XLE, and Limited models. It comes wrapped in sleek (at least for a minivan) exterior styling, with a comfortable and highly functional interior. Its lengthy list of standard and available features includes some previously offered only in costlier luxury sedans. These include a rear-view video camera, front/rear parking proximity warnings, laser-guided cruise control, a DVD entertainment array, satellite navigation system, and surround-sound audio. A 3.3-liter V-6 engine produces 230 horsepower and drives either the front or all four wheels (in AWD versions) via a five-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock power brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist come standard, with Vehicle Stability Control optional. Front side and side-curtain airbags are newly included across the line for 2006. For 2006, all versions receive a standard universal audio mini-jack port and MP3 audio capability, and the optional DVD system gets a larger nine-inch LCD screen. The XLE receives a lighter wood grain accent and power front seats as standard equipment, while the Limited adds a power heated side mirror with memory, puddle lamp, and integrated turn signal.