2012 Toyota Sienna Preview

Debut in 1997 as a 1998 model, the third generation Toyota Sienna minivan has undergone a major redesign last year. The current Sienna is longer and wider, but with a low attitude that makes it easier to enter and than most crossovers and SUVs exit. The Sienna looks more like a crossover, with the grille following the Toyota Venza crossover, and the sculpted rear corners to soften and separate the Sienna minivan of its boxy competitors.

Inside, Toyota engineers expanded interior room, but the distance between the front and rear tires remain unchanged from the previous generation. Roominess, the Toyota Sienna's forte, making it easy for the cab seven and eight seats, cargo space, or both to keep configure. The second row captain's chair, for example, may slide to 23-inch leg space, while the second row middle seat can be removed in eight passenger models to maximize cargo space.

The 2012 Toyota Sienna minivan is available in five models and is powered by either a 2.7-liter I-4 or a 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna can be configured with both front-(FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Body Style: Minivan

Engines: 2.7-liter I-4, 3.5-liter V-6

Transmissions: six-speed automatic

Models: Sienna Base, LE, SE, XLE, Limited

There are few changes for the 2012 Toyota Sienna, which is undergoing a major redesign for model year 2011. For 2012, Toyota introduces Blue Harmony audio to the Sienna LE, SE, and XLE finish. Automatic on / off headlights and electrically adjustable passenger seat are now standard features on the Toyota Sienna XLE. Buyers of the 2012 Toyota Sienna SE now have dual-view entertainment behind the moonroof option.

The redesigned exterior carries over virtually unchanged into the new model year. While the 2012 Toyota Sienna minivan has a traditional shape, but the new grille, headlights, taillights, and front and rear-end treatments (especially the bumpers), give it a more crossover-like appearance.

We continue to look for the 2012 Sienna expanded to provide, especially in XLE and Limited models with premium leather and faux wood. Seating is plush, and the Toyota Sienna can be configured to provide 150 cubic meters of cargo space with the second row seats are moved aside and the third row stowed

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine provides plenty of prep for most owners' needs as they smooth and fairly quiet. However, we found the power to the 2012 Toyota Sienna was loaded with either passengers or freight (or both), or we had to quickly maneuver through traffic or on a hill. Not surprisingly, the 2012 Sienna is equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 that higher performance and fuel economy comparable with its four-cylinder sibling. Steering and handling are typical Toyota compete with the controls a bit from the road.

The 2012 Toyota Sienna, like all current Toyota vehicles, comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System that anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Smart Stop (SST), traction control (TRAC included) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Also standard include dual front airbags, dual front-side airbags, two front knee airbags, and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags. Other safety on the 2012 Sienna is also a pre-collision system (PCS) for the belt, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) to proactively check brakes. The driver's side knee airbag is new in the Sienna.

2012 Toyota Sienna: Inline-4 with FWD: 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway

2012 Toyota Sienna: V-6 with FWD: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway, V-6 with AWD: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Base Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $25,060

LE 7-Passenger Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $31,930

LE 8-Passenger Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $26,145

Limited 7-Passenger Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $39,300

SE 8-Passenger Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $33,440

SE 8-Passenger Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $33,440

XLE 8-Passenger Passenger Minivan

Sticker Price: $33,205