Toyota unveiled the all-new, third-generation Sienna minivan at a media conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto show. Toyota redesigned the Sienna to give more sedan like driving and handling characteristics while still supplying the room, comfort and convenience customer expect from customers!
Most striking is the appearance of the front end of the new Sienna. Design cues taken from the new Venza give the redesigned van a more aggressive and confident look - I just think it looks great! The Sienna is now offered with the powerful and smooth 2.7L 4cyl also available on the Venza for improved fuel economy. Both 7 passenger and 8 passenger seating options remain, with the 8th seat a middle seat in the second row that can be removed and stored in the left side of the rear storage area.
Toyota's new rear DVD player is a huge improvement over anything offered previously. The screen is a huge 16.4" widescreen display that can be used with either one source (using the full screen in widescreen mode) or use two sources and split the screen in half to show a DVD on one side while enabling, for instance, a video game system to be used on the other half of the screen. No more arguments among the kids about what to watch!
The new Sienna includes all of the latest safety technology available from Toyota including standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Power Steering, seven airbags (including side curtain airbags and an airbag just for the driver's knee!). Also available on the Limited trim level is Toyota's new Pre-Collision System which automatically hits the brakes and cinches the seatbelts when it senses a collision is unavoidable. Finally, Toyota's new Safety Connect (similar to services like OnStar) is standard on the Limited and available on the XLE. This service offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.
Overall, the vehicle looks amazing and is clearly another step forward in making the Sienna the best looking, best handling, safest and most convenient vehicle for you and your family. I can't wait until the end of February when they begin arriving at the dealership!