First drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan

Just days before its introduction at the LA Auto show, Toyota brought a redesigned Toyota Sienna minivan to our Connecticut test track to give our engineers and editors an opportunity to crawl over it, drive it, and offer our feedback.

The camouflaged pre-production model arrived by closed truck, and we brought it into our garage facility for a walk around before taking it out on our test facility and the track.

So, what did we think? The pre-production model we drove was not quite ready for prime time, but it looks promising. Controls are simple and clearly labeled in typical Toyota fashion, and the versatile interior was spacious. Some of our drivers had difficulty finding a comfortable spot for their left foot. Seats were supportive and comfortable, even in the second row--something not always found in minivans. We liked the second-row leg room and that the seats glide effortlessly fore and aft. We weren't so crazy about the way the second-row seat bases remain when the seats are removed, leaving an uneven surface with protruding bars and other hardware. Also, if you remove the center second-row seat, you don't have a clear aisle through to the back. Kids (or even some adults) will likely wind up stepping on the plastic part which covers the center seat's floor mounts; in other vans, you get just floor there.

On the roads of our test facility the Sienna rode very well, with good bump absorption and steady body control. Handling in normal driving was sound. The electric steering has more heft than before but no more feedback. The 265-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission provided enough power. Wind noise in the rear was also more notable than we'd expect, but Toyota said that would be fixed on production models. Overall, the base LE model we drove still felt less sporty than a Honda Odyssey, but Toyota says their new SE with more aggressive suspension tuning and 19-inch wheels will be a more engaging drive.

AWD versions will continue with run-flat tires, but Toyota says that the tires, supplied by Bridgestone, will have a longer tread life.

Even though many manufacturers have walked away from the minivan market due to their perceived dowdy image, the segment remains the fourth most popular with buyers in the United States. Although the updated Sienna breaks little new ground, it looks highly likely that Toyota will remain a top contender in the segment. We'll be purchasing a new Sienna for testing as soon as they become available. A redesigned Honda Odyssey follows in a year to keep things interesting.

— Jim Travers

For more information on minivans, see our buying advice.  Also check out our model overviews for the current Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.