OREANDA-NEWS. September 18, 2012. The Toyota Sienna family van offers enhanced value for 2013 with new additions in most model grades. The four-cylinder engine has been discontinued, leaving the popular 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 as the sole powertrain. The roomy and versatile Sienna is the first vehicle in its class to offer an all-wheel drive option.
 
Designed specifically with North American customers in mind, the current-generation Sienna, introduced for the 2011 model year, was primarily designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research, developed at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana.

 For the 2013 model year, most grades of the Sienna gain new amenities and refinements. The popular LE grade adds a standard three-zone automatic climate control system. The system features a cabin air filter, along with individual temperature settings for the driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers. The rear passengers have a separate digital control panel.

 The 2013 Sienna Limited and XLE gains a standard Blind Spot Monitor, and this feature is now also available as a stand-alone option on the SE grade. A standard acoustic windshield is also new on Limited and XLE models.
 
Design

The Toyota Sienna conveys a distinctive presence in the family van segment. Its sculpted shape yields a coefficient of drag (Cd) of .306, which is low for the class and a major factor in providing a quiet interior and admirable fuel economy. Distinctive window shapes and sliding door tracks hidden within the side window frames complement the sleek profile.

 The Sienna interior features upscale quality and elegance, yet every element is logical and functional. The distinctive swept shape of the dashboard makes the spacious cabin feel even roomier. The seat designs add flexibility and roominess, while central climate and audio controls are integrated into a single graphic element.
 
Power and Efficiency

The Sienna’s standard 3.5-liter V6 generates 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, with EPA-estimated mileage ratings of 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway (16 mpg city/23 mpg highway on AWD models). Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and an Acoustically Controlled Induction System (ACIS) optimize torque across the engine speed range. The powerful engine is matched with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift that provides a smooth gearshift feeling and quiet performance. The Sienna can tow a trailer up to 3,500 pounds.

 Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and a wide stance help deliver a solid, direct on-road feel. Aerodynamic under-body elements also contribute to Sienna’s dynamic performance.
 
Entune™ Multimedia System

Sienna will offer the Toyota Entune™ multimedia system with Navigation on LE, SE, and XLE grades. Entune is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, with three years of complimentary access. Once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune’s features are operated using the vehicle’s controls, or for some services by voice recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, and Pandora®. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.
 
Models and Features

The 2013 Sienna is available in five grades: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited.  All-wheel-drive is available on LE, XLE and Limited models. The value-driven Sienna grade and popular LE are equipped with a wide array of standard features that include cruise control, Daytime Running Lights with manual on/off feature, tri-zone air conditioning, six- or eight-way-adjustable driver’s captain’s chair, power windows with auto up/down and jam protection, AM/FM CD player with four speakers, XM compatibility, auxiliary input jack, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and three 12V outlets, among other amenities.

 The Sienna LE model is upgraded with even more standard features including three-zone automatic climate control (new for 2013), eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power front passenger seat, dual power-sliding doors and power rear liftgate, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, electrochromatic rearview mirror with integrated Homelink™, multi-information display with backup camera, rear window sunshades, AM/FM/MP3 CD player, integrated SiriusXM® satellite radio capability with 90 day trial subscription, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth®, and steering wheel audio controls. 
 
The XLE builds on the LE, adding features such as leather-trimmed seats, tilt/slide moonroof, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, and heated front seats.  Select optional XLE equipment includes a 10-speaker JBL® premium sound system with voice-activated DVD Navigation and Panorama rear camera with integrated back-up guides, XM® NavTraffic capability with 90 day trial subscription, rear-seat Dual View Entertainment system, rear sonar, Smart Key, and an auxiliary audio jack and USB port with iPod connectivity.
 
The Sienna Limited offers top-of-line luxury in a family van. The standard equipment list is extensive, including a second-row Lounge Seating and a power 60/40 Split & Stow third-row seat, front and rear parking sonar, Smart Key that also operates on both sliding doors, Safety Connect™, and independently powered, slide opening dual moonroofs.  Select options include those available on the XLE, plus HID auto high-beam auto-high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Sporty SE
The Sienna SE is designed for those who appreciate an even sportier design with responsive performance. The front shows a bolder appearance, while the side skirting visually lowers the vehicle and hugs the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Smoked taillights make a distinctive statement. The Sienna SE sits lower on a sport-tuned suspension, for even sharper handling, and it comes with exclusive instrumentation and unique interior colors and trim. New for 2013, the SE gains chrome-accented outside door handles.
 
Interior Versatility
Sienna’s open field of view creates an airy, roomy ambiance throughout the cabin. A conversation mirror, integrated into the sunglass case in the overhead console, allows comfortable visual contact with rear seat passengers. The third-row passengers can see forward more easily. Numerous storage bins, cupholders and cargo spaces are placed in convenient locations. 
 Both seven- and eight-seat cabins can be configured for a full contingent of passengers, a load of cargo, or a mix of both. In seven-seat cabins, the second row captain chairs can slide 23 inches, moving to the rear to create legroom for the tallest passengers and easier ingress and egress; or they can be moved forward close to the front seats to make it easy to reach a child passenger, while also allowing easy access for third-row passengers.
 
A sliding center console on the XLE all-wheel-drive and Limited grades can be shared between the front seats and second row passengers. The illuminated console slides into the second row area to provide convenient access for both rows.

 For even more passenger comfort, there is standard second-row Lounge Seating on the Limited grade, which includes leg and foot support. Second-row captain chairs on all grades have dual armrests, and a one-motion release mechanism facilitates seat removal.

 On eight-passenger models, the second row seats offer added versatility and convenience.  The second-row center seat can be removed and stowed in the left side of the rear-storage area.
 
When the center seat is stowed, a cupholder and storage tray is revealed. The eight-passenger interior can easily be converted for seven passengers.
The second-row seats also feature a Tip Up and Long Slide feature, allowing them to slide forward and back on extended rails, making more room for passengers or cargo. All second-row seats, regardless of configuration, move out of the way with one touch to gain easy access to the third-row seats.

 The 60/40 Split and Stow third-row seat folds flat with one motion, with the Limited front-wheel drive model receiving a power feature. With the third-row seat in use, there is enough storage for five golf bags or four large suitcases.  Four handy grocery hooks, with two in the back and two in the second-row seatbacks, add storage convenience. With the third-row seat stowed and the second-row seat removed, the cargo area is approximately eight feet long and four feet wide, providing up to 150 cubic feet of available space.
 
 A wide rear door and wide side doors, a low floor height and one-touch second-row seats make it easy and convenient to load the Sienna.  Sliding the second-row seats all the way to the rear creates a walk-in aisle, making it easier to enter, exit, install a child seat, or place a child in a seat.
 
Innovative Technologies
The available rear-seat Dual View Entertainment Center uses two displays side-by-side to create a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image from a single source. The system can split the screen into two individual screens, each with input from separate sources. Used as a single screen, it can be easily seen from the third row, and it can be operated from any seat via remote control.

 Used as two screens, the system can accommodate the preferences of two separate passengers who might want to play a video game or watch a second DVD simultaneously via auxiliary inputs. Other upgrades include the Panorama Camera rear monitor with a 180-degree view and on-screen back-up guides to help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.
 
Safety
The standard Blind Spot Monitor on XLE and Limited grades uses sub-millimeter wave radar designed to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots. When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on the side mirrors. If the turn signal is on when the there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will flash. New for 2013, the system incorporates a cross traffic alert, which can be especially helpful when backing out of a driveway or parking slot.
 
The standard Toyota Star Safety System™ equips the 2013 Toyota Sienna with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Enhanced VSC coordinates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist with Traction Control (TRAC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS).

 A Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pre-collision seatbelt system is an available option on the Limited grade, as is the latest in advanced vehicle control technology, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). The VDIM system coordinates brake control with engine output and steering inputs, allowing all the control and safety systems to cooperate seamlessly.  Unlike reactive traction systems, VDIM operates proactively. During normal driving, the system works smoothly to enhance control even before the vehicle reaches its limits.

 Seven airbags are standard equipment, including dual-stage front and seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus a segment-first driver’s side knee airbag. Side curtain airbags cover the length of the cabin, from the front seats to the third row. Active headrests are used in both front seats to help reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision.

 The Safety Connect™ telematics system comes with a one year complimentary trial subscription on Sienna Limited and is optional on XLE. Safety Connect offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.
 
Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call a response center in case of airbag deployment or a severe rear-end collision. If a response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance. Pushing the in-vehicle “SOS” button allows drivers to reach the response center to request emergency help as well. If a Sienna equipped with Safety Connect is stolen, agents can work with local authorities to help locate and recover the vehicle once a stolen vehicle report is filed.
 
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.