Without looking at statistics I can see from my daily driving the minivan market is dominated by Toyota Sienna’s and possibly its closest competition, the Honda Odyssey. Having leased the 2007 Sienna and currently leasing the 2011, both mid-levels, I can say with authority this is a great vehicle, not just a great minivan. Changing from a mid-size SUV to the Sienna was almost life-changing with regards to comfort, capacity and confidence.
The most noticeable improvements for 2011 are the styling, ergonomics, and base options. Its stance is lower, tires larger and look is clean and mean. Handling seems improved, but I don’t corner my minivan like a racecar, nor should anyone. However, the 266hp V6 and a new six speed transmission certainly get you where you need to go, fast. This power does come with economy-mode and instant mpg readout, though at over 3,600 pounds gas mileage could be better. My city/highway mix averages about 19mpg.
Somehow, at one inch wider, one shorter, and unchanged wheelbase, it lengthens the interior by two inches. The mid-row stowaway eight seat is really handy and the third row is much easier to setup. Behind that is still more storage than you would think possible.
The 2008 global economic crisis forced Toyota to up efficiency and restructure its 11 option packages into four. All those options have to go somewhere, so my 2011 LE has standard options that were only standard on prior years XLE/Limited models. These include XM Radio, Bluetooth, a dashboard video display when in reverse, a USB port, and rear spoiler which houses the rear wiper. All this all at a lower payment than my 2007. I may have benefited from the acceleration issues that plagued almost all Toyota models, except the Sienna, so companywide discounts were offered.
Driving is smooth, quiet and powerful. 2000rpm@70mph comes from the new transmission. Passenger/Rear climate controls keeps everyone happy and a reclining mid-row helps the kids sleep on long trips in their baby seats and boosters. It might sound bland, but it’s simply pleasant, and as a dad of two, pleasant family driving is as good as it gets.