Toyora 4runner Sunroof

Toyota Sienna's versatility is sublimely cool

Dubbing a minivan a “Swagger Wagon” doesn’t impart cool, it reeks of over-compensating.

Unless you’re an insecure parent, a branding slave, or a pushover for the “aspirational marketing” drivel, you should know that the Sienna is a major player in a class of vehicles that’s been understated and cool in its own way — think Steve McQueen — for years.

Anyone who’s ever owned, rented or borrowed one knows that personal-sized vans empowerment vehicles when you need to haul people, critters, cargo and/or toys. Years ago, an amazing machinist schooled me on the joys of vans. He campaigned a top alcohol dragster — and his van served as a tow vehicle and rolling locker for tools and expensive spare aluminum engine blocks.

The third-generation 2011 Sienna XLE shows the benefits of evolution and competition.  Toyota’s mid-sized van handles as well or better than many cars did in the ’60s, manages decent fuel economy (18/24 miles per gallon city/highway EPA with the 266-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 in front-wheel-drive models) and is packed with comfort and convenience features.

New for 2011 is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder inline engine that’s standard in base Siennas.  Rated at 187 horses, the four provides an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in city driving. That’s just one more than the 3.5, so most folks have been springing for the six and its 245 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,700 rpm). The V6 also sports a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

While the revamped Sienna’s sheet metal has a more muscular, edgier look than the vanilla form of the previous generation, it retains the same 119.3 wheelbase. The 2011 is, however, 0.8 inch wider and 0.8 inch shorter than the 2010 Sienna.

It’s also a tad more versatile and comfortable, with long seat tracks (Toyota claims 23 inches of travel in seven-seat configurations) for the second-row seats.  That means occupants in that row have plenty of room to stretch out. The seats also can slide forward, close to the front seats, to ease access to the third row. Stowing the second- and third-row seats creates a cargo hold that’s roughly eight feet long and four feet wide.

Here’s the down-and-dirty on choosing an affordable, yet useful, Sienna. First off, don’t get too excited about the Sienna’s $26,745 starting price. (Prices cited here include destination and handling charges.)  Remember that for 2011, the Sienna gets the 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine – but only in the base seven-passenger base or eight-passenger LE model. Like all Siennas for 2011, the entry-level Sienna comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and remote keyless entry.

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