2011 Toyota Sienna: First Look

2011 Toyota Sienna

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

December 2, 2009

2011 Toyota Sienna

Toyota is taking the wraps off the 2011 Sienna today at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show.

The Japanese automaker says its third-generation minivan is becoming more carlike than ever. With front- or all-wheel drive, and a choice of four- or six-cylinder engine and in seven- or eight-passenger versions, the new Sienna will go on sale in February 2010.

Performance is said to be improved, with more of a driver's dynamic, but the 2011 Sienna carries over the previous generation's wheelbase. Two engines are fitted to the new Sienna: the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder puts out 187 horsepower, while the larger 3.5-liter V-6 churns out 266 hp. Both team with a six-speed automatic for an estimated 19/26 mpg in the four-cylinder Sienna, to 16/22 mpg for the V-6, all-wheel-drive version.

Though it rides on the same wheelbase, the 2011 Toyota Sienna has a cabin that's two inches longer. The added length allows it to sport some world-class seat travel for its second-row seats--but the Sienna still lacks the second-row in-floor storage found in the Nissan Quest and the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

We'll have more photos shortly. Stay tuned, and see our Bottom Line for an in-depth preview.

MORE: 2011 Toyota Sienna full preview