2015 Sienna Named Family Car of Texas

In March, the 2015 Toyota Sienna was named Family Car of Texas and Mini-Van of Texas by the Texas Automotive Writers Association (TAWA). The nominators consisted of 52 automotive writers/experts of TAWA who drove, assessed, and compared 54 different new vehicles on the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The event is held each year and provides the automotive writers with an opportunity to assess every vehicle and to receive first-hand exposure to the new features being introduced. Also the writers can judge improvements that the manufacturers have incorporated.

The 2015 Toyota Sienna, nicknamed the “swagger wagon” is the only all-wheel drive minivan on the market today. And the technological features are clearly designed for family use, comfort and communication.

Models
The 2015 Toyota Sienna comes in four different trim levels that progressively offer more features. You may select the L, LE, SE or SE Premium. The basic front-wheel-drive Sienna L starts at about $28,000 MSRP. With a load of additions, the SE Premium can reach to slightly more than $40,000 MSRP with AWD, a moonroof, Driver Easy Speak, navigation and other technological features.

Engine and Transmission
The engine and transmission for all of the Sienna models is the 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 266 horsepower, mated to a six-speed transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is available. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Interior
As with any minivan, most of the story is about the interior, the roominess, the seating and the entertainment available. For all eight passengers, seating is leather-trimmed. Plus, soft touch materials are used throughout the cabin to create a warmer, more luxurious feeling. The optional moon roof covers both front and back seats.

The new Sienna comes with a wrap-around dashboard, making controls easier to reach. Driving with the new three-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in leather or in the optional premium leather, advances the feel of luxury to another level. The dash includes a 6.1-inch screen that allows the driver to monitor the full range of communication, entertainment and navigational elements. Besides the AM/FM, CD and MP3 capability channeling sound through the vehicle’s four speakers, the system employs Bluetooth to handle hands-free phone and phonebook information and streaming music. A USB 2.0 port is available for devices like the IPod and others.

The Entune app suite is available to provide access to music, to order movie tickets, or to make restaurant reservations, all using the touchscreen. Gas prices, weather and traffic information is also available.

Seating is very important in a minivan and the Sienna has loads of unique elements. The second-row lounge seating, consisting of removable captain’s chairs with armrests, provides both leg and foot support.

Truly unique for the rear six passengers, the parent-friendly Easy Speak system allows the driver and front seat passenger to speak through the audio system directly to those in the rear. And the big 16.4-inch split-screen provides entertainment for those rear passengers.

Exterior
Toyota describes the Sienna’s exterior as possessing sports-sedan styling. The mesh-front grille with a smoked chrome trim for 2015 has been redesigned to provide a sleek, sporty look. The projector-beam headlights create greater visibility ahead and LED taillights make seeing the Sienna from the rear much easier.

The 19-inch wheels have 6-spoke, gun-metal finished rims.

Safety and Security
The 2015 Toyota Sienna also comes with a number of safety features to protect the passengers and alert the driver to potential dangers. The Blind Spot Monitor will deliver a signal through the appropriate side view mirror when it may not be safe to change lanes. Also, the Sienna provides parking assist alerts when you are getting too close to an object in the front or rear. The standard backup camera will come in handy when backing up.

A Fun Family Vacation Vehicle
Picture yourself and your family fully entertained and comfortable in this stylish and roomy minivan. While the 2015 Toyota Sienna is Family Car of Texas and nothing like the boxy minivans of old, this car can be a true joy to take you on your next vacation.

At Waite Toyota we carry a large selection of new Toyota and Scion vehicles, as well as used cars, trucks and SUVs. We have 40 years of experience serving Watertown, Fort Drum, Black River and beyond. If you are searching for Toyota dealers in Calcium using the keywords Calcium Toyota or Calcium area Toyota dealer, visit our dealership today!