2015 Toyota Sienna

NEW FOR 2015:

For 2015, Toyota has given its Sienna minivan a substantial overhaul with more standard equipment and new family-friendly features. Not that you’d notice, though.

The only real telltales are more aerodynamic mirrors, new headlights with LED daytime running lights for the sporty SE and Limited, and a slightly tweaked grille and tail lights for the SE. No new wheels, no nip ‘n tuck bumper – nada. But, every parent knows it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Toyota has increased the structural rigidity of the Sienna to help make it safer, quieter, and handle better, while additional sound insulation keeps things hushed on the move. Those up front are treated to a brand new dashboard that’s been restyled in the likeness of the Highlander and is finished in soft-touch plastics. The squared-off centre console sees the latest generation of infotainment systems fitted and repositioned HVAC controls. A revised instrument cluster now holds a full-colour 4.2-inch display that shows navigation information, if equipped.

While Toyota hasn’t gone after Honda’s party piece with a built-in vacuum cleaner, it has added its own signature peace-keeping tool: Driver Easy Speak. First seen on the Highlander, it’s a sort of one-way PA system that patches the Bluetooth microphone into the car’s audio system. Also new: standard conversation mirror, Bluetooth phone connectivity, reverse camera, fourth child-seat anchor, and front passenger seat cushion airbag.

All Siennas come powered by a 266-hp 3.5-litre V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic. Most are front-wheel drive, but the Sienna holds the unusual distinction of being the only minivan on the market to offer all-wheel drive.

The Sienna is offered with front-wheel drive in seven-seat V6, LE eight-passenger, SE eight-passenger, and Limited seven-passenger forms. The Sienna AWD is offered in LE seven-passenger and XLE seven-passenger forms.

Features on the Sienna V6 include 17-inch alloy wheels, seating for seven, privacy glass, heated power adjustable mirrors with convex blind-spot section, splash guards, roof rails, rear spoiler, black front grille and door handles, automatic headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, cabin air filter, power door locks, power windows with auto-up and down, Eco driving indicator, illuminated vanity mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, console box with overhead sunglass storage and conversation mirror, cargo tie-down rings with shopping bag hooks, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, removable second-row captains chairs, 60/40 split folding third row with recline, 6.1-inch display audio system with four speakers, AM/FM/MP3/CD, USB, Bluetooth, aux-in jack, voice recognition, reverse camera, and 3.5-inch LCD mutli-information trip computer.

Features on the LE Eight-Passenger V6 include dual power sliding doors, rear bumper protector, coloured door handles, colour grille with chrome surround, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, front centre console box, garage door opener, second and third-row retractable sunshades, easy-clean cloth upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, stowable second-row centre seat, six-speaker 7.0-inch display audio system, satellite radio, steering wheel Bluetooth and audio controls.

The LE Seven-Passenger V6 AWD adds all-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires; deletes stowable second-row centre seat.

The SE Eight-Passenger builds on the LE Eight-Passenger V6 and includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, sport-calibrated steering, power rear liftgate, chrome door handles, leather upholstery, sport front and rear fascias, sport grille, smoked headlight surround, wide-angle fog lamps, LED rear tail lights, LED daytime running lights, and 4.2-inch TFT multi-information trip computer.

The SE Technology Package adds navigation, Driver Easy Speak, blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, proximity key with push-button start, 16.4-inch rear-seat entertainment system with dual wireless headphones, Blu-ray player, power moonroof, and anti-theft system.

The XLE Seven-Passenger V6 AWD builds on the LE Seven-Passenger V6 AWD and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, acoustic windshield and front window glass, power flip-out rear side windows, rear power liftgate, chrome door handles, silver-painted chrome grille, power moonroof, wide-angle fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensor, anti-theft system, blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert system, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome inner door handles, proximity key with push-button start, four-way power front passenger seat, woodgrain trim, navigation, text-to-speech capabilities, Driver Easy Speak, 4.2-inch TFT multi-information trip computer.

The XLE Seven Passenger V6 AWD Limited Package adds 10-speaker JBL audio system, 16.4-inch rear-seat entertainment system with dual wireless headphones, Blu-ray player, premium leather upholstery, driver memory, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, dual power moon roof, rain-sensing wipers, power folding auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse auto tilt and puddle lamp, 120-volt power outlet, chrome grille, and HID headlamps.

The Limited Seven-Passenger V6 FWD includes all of the above, but deletes all-wheel drive system and run-flat tires.