2016 Toyota Sienna

NEW FOR 2016:

Following last year’s significant update, Toyota’s Sienna enters 2016 unchanged with the exception of Siri eyes-free capability for iPhone users. It’s one step down from the full Apple CarPlay experience that’s now offered on U.S. market Siennas, though.

With the ability to haul up to eight people or a sheet of plywood with the tailgate shut, the Sienna is a practicality ace and a family-friendly workhorse. The updated interior is fresh, offers solid build quality, while the latest-gen Toyota infotainment systems are easy to use. Silken V6 power and a comfortable ride, make it the Camry of minivans, though the SE with its sport-tuned suspension and steering, plus boy-racer body kit and 19-inch wheels is definitely the least boring minivan on the market.

All Siennas come powered by a 266-hp 3.5-litre V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic that delivers swift and smooth performance. 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. Excuses for needing a crossover or SUV for four-wheel traction over this minivan are busted.

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, Siri eyes-free, 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.