2010 Toyota Sienna – Perfect for families on the go By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net   The 2010 Toyota Sienna.  Yes, I know.  It’s a mini-van and many people think that nametag means dull and boring.  Maybe for some vehicles that is true, but the Toyota Sienna offers so much.              When my test drive vehicle was delivered for the week, I was slightly disappointed at first glance.  I had hoped for a flashy sports car or a luxury sedan because it was Easter week and Judy and I would be driving to various events, church functions, and family gatherings.

It is always fun to show off a special vehicle.  But, instead, we had the standard mini-van that looking almost like all other mini-vans on the road.  It isn’t unattractive.  It just doesn’t stand out in a crowd.  But once inside and driving, my opinion changed. 

            Opening and closing doors and rear hatches can always be a problem, whether hands are full, handles difficult to pull, or the height of tailgates.  The powered side doors and powered rear hatch were all very convenient.  There were push buttons on the key fob, push buttons near the doors, and a simple pull of the handle – each worked effortlessly to activate the power door opening and closings.

            If comfort is important in a vehicle, the Sienna seating is terrific.  I like the second row seating in this new Sienna, especially the lounge-chairs that recline and have leg rests.  It is more like being in the living room of a small home. There are several configurations.  The seven passenger models provide captain’s chairs.  The second row has a long-slide feature that opens the second row or third row.  The seat cushions are thickly padded and can be tipped up so that they can go forwards or backwards easily.  This is different than the popular seats that fold and stow in the floor area.  The eight passenger style seating has a stowable second row middle seat.  It is has a couple of pull rings and simply lifts right out.  It is not heavy or bulky and there is a molded place in the back for it to be carried.  But the captain’s chairs with the lounge chair style and long-slide feature combined are my favorite.  They are almost like being in your favorite recliner, leaning back, having armrests, and those extendable leg-rests.  It is very relaxing and you can’t find that as easily in a flashy sports car.  Longer trips make this feature very attractive.

            The rear area features a flipdown DVD screen, a remote control, and wireless headphones.  For long drives, this is a great feature to keep backseat passengers occupied watching their favorite action movie or cartoon characters.

            Our test model Sienna was powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine and matched with a five speed automatic.  The all-wheel drive models are rated at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.  The front wheel drive models do only slightly better at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.  The “Eco” economy feature was non-obtrusive, but a benefit to increase fuel economy.  A small green leaf emblem showed up on the display screen when you optimized the driving.  Instead of pushing the pedal to the metal, I tended to keep the Sienna in the Eco mode as often as possible, and the mileage savings for the week were definitely above average.

            The driving experience for the week was wonderful.  The steering is precise and direct.  Handling is easy.  Parking is not a problem.  It actually drives much like a medium sized sedan and unless you turned around and looked at all the spaciousness of the cabin, it was easy to drive down the highway thinking you were in a large car.

            The base price for a 2010 Sienna is in the $24,000 range, but options push the price rapidly upwards.  The more advanced models, All Wheel Drive, DVD navigation system, leather trim, heated seats, moonroof, and other items can easily push the sticker price to over $30,000 or more.  But in comparison with other minivans, it is very competitive.  It is the old adage, “You get what you pay for.”

            Judy and I had a minivan for many years and well remember the flexibility when we had little ones and all their stuff that had to be loaded in and out.  The Sienna is definitely convenient for families.  We certainly enjoyed our test model for Easter week and wished we had had an extended driving period to enjoy it more. 

Check out the 2010 Sienna at a Toyota dealership yourself and see if it might be the ideal vehicle for your family’s needs