The Toyota Sienna family van enters the 2019 model year with standard Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay®, compatibility for all grades, AWD for the SE grade as well as a slew of new options for LE and SE grades.

AWD Option for SE Grade+ Updated Options for 2019

For 2019, the Sienna receives an AWD drivetrain option for the SE grade. The Sienna SE AWD offers 18-in. 6-spoke gunmetal-finished alloy wheels with P235/55R18 tires; as well as 7-passenger seating with removeable perforated leather-trimmed second-row lounge seat captain’s chairs with long-slide feature. The existing SE Preferred Package receives Rear Park Assist Sonar and Entune 3.0 Premium Audio with JBL® w/ Clari-FI™, Dynamic Navigation and App Suite for 2019, and becomes optional on SE AWD and standard on SE Premium AWD; Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade is also now optional on SE AWD and standard on SE Premium AWD. Additionally, for 2019, the existing Outdoor Package is optional on SE AWD and SE Premium AWD.

Also new is the Sienna LE Preferred Package that includes Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), smart key system on all doors with push button start and remote illuminated entry.

The Toyota Safety Features Standard

For 2019, Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) still comes standard on all grades equipping each Sienna with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

The standard Toyota Star Safety System equips the 2019 Toyota Sienna with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The Sienna is equipped with eight Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, including dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags in all three rows, a front passenger seat cushion airbag plus a driver’s side knee airbag. Active headrests in both front seats help to reduce the possibility of whiplash in certain types of collisions.

The available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on SE (standard on XLE and Limited) uses sub-millimeter wave radar designed to detect vehicles in the Sienna’s blind spots. When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on the side mirrors. If the turn signal is activated when there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will flash. Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be especially helpful alerting the driver of a crossing vehicle when backing out of a driveway or parking space using an audible and visual alert.

A Powerful Cruiser

The Sienna is a powerful cruiser with the D-4S direct-injection V6 engine and Direct Shift – 8AT 8-speed automatic transmission it received for 2017. It’s a quieter cruiser, too, on certain grades thanks to a new acoustic windshield (SE only) and laminated front-row side window glass (Limited only). The Sienna driver is better informed with a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display and, exclusively for the Limited Premium grade, an available Bird’s Eye View monitor. This practical machine offers nine sophisticated colors: Celestial Silver Metallic (replacing Silver Sky Metallic), Super White, Blizzard Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl, Alumina Jade Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl and Parisian Night Pearl.

The 2019 Sienna is also a more connected cruiser with standard Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, plus five USB ports covering all three rows. The L grade gets Toyota Entune 3.0 with Connected Navigation (Scout® GPS Link with Moving Maps). The LE, SE, and XLE grades get Entune 3.0 Audio Plus with Safety Connect, and not to mention, WiFi Connect for up to five mobile devices for 4G LTE coverage (also standard on Limited).

The XLE can be upgraded to Entune 3.0 Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and App Suite. Limited grades come standard with Entune 3.0 Premium JBL® Audio with Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist with Sound Staging, Low Frequency Sounds, and Clari-Fi technology for amazing sound quality. The available Rear Seat Entertainment system also includes streaming capability for Android devices.

Room for All, and Then Some

The Sienna remains the family-friendly van, with the choice of 7- or 8-seat cabin configurations, up to a massive 150 cu. ft. of carrying space, and a comprehensive array of available multimedia systems. It’s available in five grades: L, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited. Toyota Mobility also offers the LE and XLE with an Auto Access Seat having a 330-lb. lift capacity. The Sienna is still the only van in the segment offering available all-wheel drive.

The Sienna’s 3.5-liter V6 produces 296 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, and, in partnership with the transmission’s eight ratios, makes the Sienna a rapid hauler, indeed. All-wheel drive with active torque control is available for the LE, XLE, and Limited, providing an important all-weather traction advantage that is not found in any other family van. The standard Tow Prep Package allows the Sienna to pull a 3,500-pound-max load.

Sporty Attributes

With its unitized body with anti-vibration sub-frame, MacPherson front and torsion beam rear suspension and Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Sienna delivers a solid, direct on-road feel. The SE grade brings stylish projector-beam headlights, LED daytime running lamps (DRL) and smoke-look trim to the Sienna formula. Its sportiness goes beyond just looks, though: it rides atop a sport-tuned suspension and exclusive 19-inch wheels and tires. Inside, trim-specific instrumentation and heated and powered front black-leather-trimmed seats with white stitching complete the SE’s impressive list of exclusive traits.

Space Craftiness

The Sienna remains at heart an exemplary people-mover, offering an expansive cabin that’s comfortable for up to eight passengers (or seven with the available second-row captain’s chair seating). Stow the Sienna’s third row seats and remove the second row to open up 150 cu. ft. of available cargo space, all easily accessible from the wide, dual sliding doors. Power liftgate comes standard on SE, XLE and Limited grades. The Sienna can even carry 4×8-ft. sheets of plywood – a DIYer’s necessity.

The available seven-seat configuration is sure to please both adults and children, thanks to second-row captain’s chairs that slide 23 inches rearward to reveal enormous legroom. Or, if young children are riding along, drivers can position the second row of seats closer to the first row to ease their access to child passengers. The Sienna is equipped with four LATCH locations for securing child seats.

The Sienna Limited FWD’s standard second-row is made up of twin lounge seat captain’s chairs covered in premium leather-trim. The seats feature dual armrests, leg and foot support, and an easy-release mechanism when seat removal or repositioning is desired. Also on the front wheel-drive Limited, a sliding center console is accessible to both front seats and second-row passengers.

On eight-passenger models, the second-row center seat can be removed and stowed in the left side of the rear-storage area, leaving a cup holder and storage tray between the two remaining seats. Regardless of cabin configuration, all second-row seats provide easy access to the third row.

With the Tip Up and Long Slide feature, the seats can be easily moved forward and back on extended rails, adjusting room as needed for passengers or cargo. Sliding the second-row seats all the way to the rear creates a walk-in aisle, making it easier to enter, exit, install a child seat, or place a child in a seat. Storage bins, spaces, and cup holders galore are on every Sienna grade.

The 60/40 Split and Stow third-row seat folds flat with one motion and is made even easier in the Limited FWD model with its power seat lowering and raising functions. Even with the third-row seats in use, the Sienna still possesses enough cargo capacity to hold five golf bags or four large suitcases. Handy grocery hooks in both rows add storage convenience. Roof rack crossbars are available for even more cargo carrying possibilities.

Designed with Family in Mind

Sienna makes sure shuttling the family is a low-stress but enjoyable experience. A Tri-Sync switch for the air conditioning lets drivers manage temperatures in all three climate zones with individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers and a separate rear digital control panel. The available push button driver’s seat center armrest can adjust to numerous positions and can return to its last position even after it’s been stowed. Cold hands will appreciate the Limited’s standard heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Keeping eyes squarely on the road is the idea behind the 4.2-inch color TFT information display (MID) placed within the instrument panel in the driver’s line of sight. It’s standard on all grades for 2019. Audio channels can be controlled via the four-way switch located on the multifunction steering wheel. The MID is linked directly to the Entune multimedia system and is able to display turn-by-turn navigation information. On AWD models, the MID can also show all-wheel drive operation, which can indicate the vehicle’s response on slippery surfaces.

Convenience Features for a Busy Family

Parents should never take their eyes off the road to check on the kids. That’s what the standard conversation mirror integrated into the overhead console is for. It gives the Sienna driver an all-encompassing view of rear passengers. The available Driver Easy Speak feature, meanwhile, essentially gives the driver a built-in public address system. Using the microphone in the Sienna’s voice-command multimedia system, Driver Easy Speak projects the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers. (“Stop annoying your little sister!”)

On any commute, the value of the available Dual View Entertainment Center, which uses two viewable displays within a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image, will be immediately apparent. Used as a single screen, it can be easily seen from the third row. The system features Blu-Ray capability, an HDMI input, and an SDXC card reader that can play 10 different audio and video formats. It can play from one or two separate sources as well, and the option also includes a pair of wireless headphones. Passengers in any seat can operate the entertainment system via remote control.

Entune Multimedia

Every available Entune head unit integrates a backup camera display and Siri Eyes Free mode – and comes standard with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay®, connectivity. On Entune 3.0 Audio Plus and above, head units come with SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial of SiriusXM All Access Trial, HD Radio, HD Radio traffic, Wi-Fi Connect and weather in major metro areas.

The SE Premium and XLE Premium feature Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, while Limited and Limited Premium feature Entune JBL® Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite.

Entune App Suite includes mobile apps Destination Search, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Yelp, and Slacker Radio. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic, and weather. Entune apps are opened by pressing a switch on the steering wheel, then speaking the name of the app. Voice commands operate the app. The audio unit can download new Entune apps as they’re developed, including the necessary voice recognition components. Access to Entune App Suite is subscription free. (See toyota.com/entune for details.)

Connected for Safety

The Sienna Limited and Limited Premium grades come with the added assurance of Safety Connect telematics technology. Its one-year included  trial subscription covers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.

Developed specifically for the North American market, the Sienna was primarily designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research Center in Newport Beach, Calif., developed in part at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

Standard ToyotaCare is a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.