New Cars 2011: What to Watch for in Minivans
The rapping suburban parents in Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” commercial cleverly spoof the uncool Mom-with-a-minivan image. But the commercial isn’t all that’s new in minivans. Toyota’s Sienna (on sale now in the US) and leading competitor Honda Odyssey (available soon) are both getting complete redesigns as 2011 models. The two other big sellers, Chrysler’s Dodge Grand […]
The rapping suburban parents in Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” commercial cleverly spoof the uncool Mom-with-a-minivan image. But the commercial isn’t all that’s new in minivans. Toyota’s Sienna (on sale now in the US) and leading competitor Honda Odyssey (available soon) are both getting complete redesigns as 2011 models. The two other big sellers, Chrysler’s Dodge Grand Caravan and Town and Country, are expected to have some small design tweaks when they’re out later this year.
Here’s a look at the redesigns for the Sienna and Odyssey and whether these minivans are worth your money:
Toyota Sienna-The Sienna’s stylish redesign has found favor with reviewers. New headlights angled upward give the front end a slightly edgier look and the rear corners are less boxy than in the previous design. Following the overall trend to higher mileage, the Sienna offers a four-cylinder engine with 19 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway, in addition to the minivan’s traditional V-6 (18 city/24 highway). Some reviewers complain that the four-cylinder, which comes in the least expensive models, shows sluggish acceleration.
As for safety, a major issue for minivan buyers, the Sienna comes with standard stability and traction control and seven airbags, including side and head protection. That is similar to equipment in the 2010 Honda Odyssey and likely the 2011 Odyssey. On the 2011 Sienna there is no crash test report from the American market. The Sienna was not involved in Toyota’s sudden acceleration recall- thank God.
The Sienna seats seven or eight depending on which version you pick. It has 39 cubic feet of luggage space with all the seats in and huge 150 cubic feet maximum cargo space with all but the front the seats out.
Honda Odyssey-The Odyssey, the top-selling minivan, also gets a new look: a zig-zag body line that Honda says also improves the view for third-row passengers. The 2011 model is lower and slightly wider-which translates into more shoulder room inside for driver and passengers. Honda has yet to release full specifications and safety equipment details or to provide test drives for reviewers. Despite improvements by the Toyota Sienna, Odyssey is likely to hold onto its reputation as the most capable minivan in driving and handling.
Honda expects its improved V-6 engine-with variable cylinder management that lets the minivan use only as many cylinders as needed-to be rated at 19 mpg in city driving, 28 on the highway, making it more fuel efficient than the Sienna. While Honda hasn’t yet released exact dimensions, expect seating for seven or eight (depending on which model you choose) and luggage and cargo space roughly comparable to the Sienna. Family drivers who care if their van can corner smartly and maneuver smoothly along curving roads will probably want the Honda. And based on projections by Kelley Blue Book, the Honda Odyssey likely will hold its resale value slightly better than the Toyota Sienna.