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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Toyota Sienna

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Sienna

Overview

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2011 Toyota Sienna Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.3

You can bet that the engineers at Toyota are not pleased that the Honda Odyssey is widely regarded as the best minivan in America. So they've done something about it. The new-for-2011 Sienna minivan offers an improved exterior design, better driving dynamics, a more accommodating interior and features that take it up several notches in the hotly competitive minivan category. With the redesign, it has certainly moved up on our list of desirable minivans.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2011 Toyota Sienna folds together many passenger-friendly features including the reclining, leg-rest-equipped second row seats and an entertainment system that lets the kids watch two different programs. For those of you in inclement climes, the Sienna is the only minivan to offer the option of all-wheel drive.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Sienna can get pricey when compared to some of the competition like the Kia Sedona, but in terms of resale value the Sienna excels. We expect its overall ownership cost to be reasonable.

What's New for 2011

For 2011 the Sienna is completely re-engineered. Among the notable changes are the thoroughly upgraded new interior that includes optional lounge-type seating in the second row and a sport-tuned SE model with improved steering and handling. A four-cylinder-powered Sienna is also available.

Driving the Sienna

Driving Impressions Both of the Toyota Sienna's engines deliver where it counts, whether you crave the fuel-sipping economy of the 2.7-liter four-cylinder or the extra punch provided by the 3.5-liter V6. The...

four-cylinder-equipped Sienna is surprisingly acceptable, but for serious family- and cargo-hauling, the V6 is the engine to get. Power for both engines is managed by a smooth-shifting ECT five-speed automatic transmission. The base Sienna offers a quiet, soft ride that will cocoon driver and passengers, with the suspension floating effortlessly over potholes. For those who want a more involving driving experience, however, we recommend the sporty SE trim, which offers a sport-tuned suspension and tighter steering feel.

Favorite Features

Second Row Lounge Seating
The Toyota Sienna XLE's Lounge Seating offers a Long-Slide feature maximizing legroom, while footrests rise up, virtually transforming the second row seats into Barcaloungers.

Dual View Entertainment Center
The Sienna's Dual View Entertainment Center features two wireless headphones and an extra-wide screen that allows two different movies to play at once. Or in those few families in which the kids agree, one movie can play CinemaScope-style. You'll almost feel like you're watching your flatscreen at home.

2011 Toyota Sienna Details

2011 Toyota Sienna Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Whatever the trim, from lightly equipped base model to decked-out Limited, the Sienna can be easily configured to meet many families' budgets thanks to a number of options and packages. The Sienna can seat up to eight, depending on a choice of captain's chairs or bench seating in the second row, with reasonable leg- and headroom for passengers in all seating positions. The only exception to this is when the lounge seating is deployed to its rearward extreme, which results in nearly non-existent legroom for the third-row riders. The Sienna's third-row seat folds flush into the floor, but we found the manual stowing of the seats difficult to master. Happily, a power-stow option is available. Cargo space in the Sienna is ample and versatile. Additional space can be made by folding down one or both of the 60/40-split rear seats and by completely removing the second row.

Exterior

2011 Toyota Sienna Front low 5/8 angle view photo

Channeling some of the looks of its Venza stablemate, the 2011 Sienna presents a sportier shape that the previous edition with nice details like the rear door slider that is hidden within the window graphic. The strong "shoulder" and well-chiseled fender flares add to the more performance-oriented look. While the new Sienna rides on the same wheelbase as the prior generation, it is wider for interior roominess and slightly shorter overall. The rear of the Sienna sits high and features sculpted sheet metal, LED tail lamps and a rear-lip spoiler - adding a sporty feel to the design.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Sienna comes with an MP3-capable CD player with auxiliary input jack, remote keyless entry, dual-sliding doors with power windows, and tri-zone manual air conditioning. Opting for the LE trim adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding doors and a Homelink universal transceiver. The SE trim adds its own sport-tuned suspension and steering, leather-trimmed steering wheel and an eight-way power leatherette driver's seat. Moving up to the XLE nets you a six-speaker stereo with a USB port and iPod connectivity, automatic tri-zone climate control, leather and woodgrain interior trim, and heated seats. The upscale Limited adds a JBL sound system, lounge second-row seating, and a power-folding 60/40 third row. All trims offer Toyota's STAR Safety System, airbags for all three rows, plus the XLE features front and rear sonar, which is not for submarine chasing but a parking assist.

Optional Equipment

Options on the Sienna vary by trim and include all-wheel drive, roof rails, dual-power sliding doors, power seats, Bluetooth connectivity, tri-zone automatic climate control and a power rear hatch. A Dual-View Entertainment Center with wireless headphones is available on XLE and Limited models. The Limited can also be equipped with a Navigation Package, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and rain-sensing wipers.

Under the Hood

Two engines are offered in the 2011 Sienna: A new fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that offers decent off-the-line acceleration and a hearty 3.5-liter V6 with plenty of torque, quiet operation and fuel economy that is remarkably similar to the four cylinder. If you want all-wheel-drive the V6 is your lone choice.

2.7-liter in-line 4
187 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
186 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24

3.5-liter V6
265 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
245 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (FWD), 16/22 (AWD)

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2011 Toyota Sienna Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 60 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.2/10

Best Car ever owned, very spacious

By Karissananissa (TX) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is great for kids. Love this car, will never own anything else. Safe, large and fits the most kids out there."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love this van! Except for...

By Toyota, Part 2 (IL) on Sunday, March 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Lots of room, fun to drive"

Cons: "difficult to access the third row"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I just bought this van. I had a 2003 with 120,000 miles on it and though I LOVED it, I do drive a lot and wanted to move to a new van before the old one died. I did speak to owners of both Siennas and Odysseys, and the Siennas were highly recommended. I love this van! Except for the fact that with the 8 seater, you cannot remove the console between the 2nd row captain's chairs. This means my kids have to either jump over or step on it to get to the third row. It also makes it hard for an adult to get to the back seat. Otherwise, I find it very comfortable and roomy!"

25 people out of 25 found this review helpful

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definitely the best van

By sienfan (Canada) on Sunday, March 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "best looking van, smooth engine and suspension"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Through my 32 years of driving and from the beginning i've always been a minivan's owner and this van is the most reliable and look so beautifull. Some are complaining about too much plastics, but how much is too much ? This van is the best peace of mind you can buy, believe me, I've had many american and korean brands of minivans and if you want have time and money for you instead of the dealers you should get this minivan as for now i didn't yet waste my time at my toyota dealer as I do my own oil and filters change. the V6 is so smooth and powerful when needed. Sure I also had an Odyssey from Honda but i preferred the smoothness of suspension of the Sienna, and also that it has a timing chain instead of a belt on the Odyssey V6"

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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So much roooom!

By Big Bob (CT) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I don't own this car

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Space, visibility, smooth drive"

Cons: "Tough to fit in garage, run flat tires"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2008 Toyota Sienna and love it! I didn't want to get a minivan because of the "not cool" minivan image. I caved into taking a test drive at my wife's prodding expecting to have a dozen reasons why we shouldn't buy it. After the test drive I was sold hook line and sinker. The visibility is awesome and it drives so smoothly. I'm 6'7" and have plenty of room in the front seats. We have a family of 5 and go on camping and ski trips where we have so much room to pack everything we need. We have 67k miles without any problems. The only thing I really didn't like were the run flat tires. They would wear out twice as fast as normal tires and were twice the cost to replace. We ended up getting rid of the tires and bought four new ones but have to keep an actual tire in the trunk for the spare. Hopefully they got rid of the run flats on the newer models."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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I love this minivan!

By Beth (OR) on Wednesday, February 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "drives great, great options, the room!"

Cons: "expensive new, but worth it!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"What a great way to get extra space and still have luuxury! The Toyota minivan is the only minivan in the ISA that is sold with an All-Wheel-Drive option. It has so many luxurious options that make it wonderful. It is so great with kids. I would recommend this to anyone. I plan to keep mine for a very long time!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great van but not as nice as previous model

By Angie on Saturday, January 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 650

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Comfort and AWD"

Cons: "Plastic dash"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I'm a long time Toyota customer. This is my second Sienna. I'm a sales rep so I'm in my vehicle a lot averaging about 35k miles a year. I feel as though the new Sienna interior is too plastic. The previous interior looked much nicer. I miss the double console compartment that was in my previous sienna. It had a shallow top compartment which also had a notepad holder. This upper compartment allowed me to find smaller things easier. I miss the dynamic cruise control with sonar and the electronic folding mirrors. My previous sienna was a XLE limited AWD, the new one is a XLE AWD model. But from what I've read it doesn't appear Toyota is offering the dynamic cruise control on the newer model. I do love the updated exterior and the AWD is a must in New England and is superb in the snow. I'm not a fan of the run flat tires especially because I'd have to replace them so often as they only get 25-30K miles on them and I found that if they do have any issues they go flat flat instantly, therefore there is no benefit in my opinion. So I opted to use regular tires and keep a plug kit in my vehicle. The car does drive very nice. I do enjoy the Bluetooth however I was unable to upload my contacts from my iPhone 4S. Apparently it's not compatible which is unfortunate since its such a popular phone. This vehicle is perfect for my job and is comfortable. I'd recommend it. Just not happy with some of the things missing and the plastic interior."

21 people out of 21 found this review helpful

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