Toyota Sienna Future Models

coolguyky7

The obvious reason to me as to why Toyota wouldn't put 8 seats in the XLE versions would be that having only 2 people in the middle row is a much more luxurious setup not having 3 people crammed in a row. Individual armrests and a center console are part of that luxury.

sanjayjha

I also thought that may be the "rationale", but it doesn't stand-up to reason, at least in my way of thinking. What is the market for this van? Families or corporate transportation of VIPs? It seems absurd to me that luxury and 8 seat are seen as mutually exclusive.

Also:

1. Why not provide the option? Folks who would follow your thinking will buy the 7 seater and the rest of us with need to have 3 kids in the second row can buy the 8 seater.

1. 8 seat option doesn't mean that you have to use 8 seats. The middle seat from the second row can be removed to provide the needed space.

Doesn't make a bit of sense to me. I was so keen on this van till I found this out. Still hoping it is not true.

monterey6

I flew from Atlanta to Detroit on Saturday a.m. and returned Saturday night a bit disappointed...not in the Sienna, but in the fact they did not allow the public to sit in or much less touch the Sienna. I found this very frustrating because $70K BMWs and MBenz were being tested out by the public without any restraint. Nevertheless, I was able to get a few questions answered that may be of some help.

The sliding doors will retract and additional 4 inches as long as the window is rolled all the way up. The pics displayed previously indicate a somewhat narrow entrance. This is a pinch protection feature enacted when the sliding door glass is in the down position.

The run flat tires on the 4wds are supposed to be Michelins however that was not the case at the show.

The DVD screen is small in my opinion. Although I was not able to measure it or get the measurements from the ill-informed "info-models" at the show. The system is all roof mounted and it appears a larger screen would inhibit the view out of the rear view mirror. For those of you concerned about bundled options the DVD might be a good one to choose from an aftermarket company and request the larger screen(s) to be installed in the back of the huge headrests.

andrewtran71

I agree that they should offer 8 passenger seating on every model. Look at the Lexus LX470.
It has 8 passenger seating and it's smaller than the Sienna. Don't tell me the Lexus LX470 is not luxurious.
I wonder how the Navigation system will look since I have not seen a picture of it on the Sienna.
I consider having the NAV+DVD RES a LUXURY thing.
So I guess they won't offer that in the NON-luxury models like the LE either. I guess they will only offer that in the XLE Limited. Sorry, just being sarcastic.
If they don't offer 8 passenger seating in the XLE and XLE limited, they could at least offer leather on the LE.
I guess it's impossible to please everyone.
Perhaps they will change their minds and offer either leather on the LE with 8 passenger seating or offer 8 passenger seating on the XLE and XLE Limited.

coolguyky7

I've riden in a Chevy Venture which as 2-3-2 seating. In the second row however, the middle seat had been removed. I hated riding in that van because I didn't feel like I was secure in the seat without armrests.

Also, if a family needs a luxurious 8 seater which would very likely over run $35,000 Toyota would probably have the family go up to another vehicle. However, Toyota has no such vehicle until you get into the $50,000 price range. OUCH! If a family really needs the 8 seats, it will take what it can get. And besides, what other minivan offers 8 seats as of now?

samnoe

Hey guys. Where will the shift lever be placed? On the steering wheel column or center console? And also, will the controls for the power windows/door locks/mirrors finally be illuminated?

Also does anybody know fuel tank capacity (gallons)?

I think that auto-dimming rear-view mirrors is an important feature, and should not be limited to the "Limited" model. Ford & Chrysler offers this feature also on the lower-end minivan models. and so should Toyota. The same applies for the rear parking assist. Most people DO want these 2 features but can defenetly NOT afford the XLE Limited which will probably be no less than $35 grand! any opinions? anybody could ask Toyota to change their minds before releasing the 2004 model? or maybe can I ask my local dealer to install me some options ("dealer installed")?

coolguyky7

This type of rear parking assist requires the navigation screen if I'm not mistaken so it would be costly anyway. The shift lever is on the center console.

etnies

The 8th seat may be an option on the XLE Limited if you pay extra. But it may not be leather. I asked a representative of Toyota at the L.A. Auto Show and he said, "You may be able to get an 8th seat on the XLE Limited but it probably will be taken out of an LE so it will be cloth."
I personally don't need the 8th seat to be leather I just need it to be there leather or not.

toyotaken

The shift lever will be on a "pod" that extends from the center of the dash. Similar to the Matrix or the first model year of the highlander and RX300. If you look at some of the older posts, they will give you some links to find pictures of the new sienna along with the dash layout.

Ken

sequoiasaurus

My previous experiences with the Detroit show is that if the vehicle is not for sale now you will not be able to "touch" it. I'm somewhat surprised about the Sienna though since it's so close to it's release date. Most of the time the Toyota's in Detroit are unveiled in January and released in late Fall or eary Winter; not the case this time.

Maybe it's because Toto wants to get rid of the 03's the still have.

etnies

Does anyone know if you can have a DVD Navigation System and a Rear Audio System on the same Sienna XLE Limited? I really would like both of them because my children like to watch DVD's and they like to listen to different music than I do. Also, can you get more than just two wireless headphones as an option? If anyone has the answers to these questions please post them.
Thank You,
Etnies

canuck13

I checked the Michelin site and they don't seem to make a zero-pressure tire in 225-60/R17. I wonder if they are building a new size for the Sienna...or if they will use another brand.

riskaker11

Individual settings for each of the two front passengers and one setting for the rear.

sanjayjha

Thanks. I probably don't care if that seat is leather or not, since it will be covered by a baby seat. Still, this is ludicrous. If all it took for them to offer 8 seats in XLE was to cover an middle seat with leather, it would seem like small cost.

I know Ford and Honda are both getting re-designed in short order. I may just wait and see how it plays out.

kmcmi

I have to say that when I arrived at the auto show and found out that the tri-zone was dual up front and one for the rear I was relieved. I am not sure what I was looking at before at the Toyota breakfast but I am glad I was wrong. Sorry for the bum-info.

There are "mini-brochures" available at the Detroit auto show but only if you ask for them. Toyota only gave them 12,000 to hand out and the press days blew through 8,000 of them. We were under strict orders not to give them to anyone unless they asked for them specifically. So if you go to the auto show and want one just ask.

I was given two reasons why the siennas were roped off. One person said they were prototypes and not really complete and the other said they were needed for a photo shoot after the auto show. Both may be true I really don't know.

Someone posted about the rear dimming mirror. This is a very easy option to add to any current Toyota. I have put them in Corollas. It is available as a dealer installed option for about $250.

jaanderson12

Does anyone know if the 3rd row headrests are adjustable? They appear integrated into the seatback in the photos.

toyotaken

The wireless headphones are an accessory that you can get from any parts department. They work on the same frequencies as the ones available in most Electronics departments in Retail stores as well that you can purchase for about $30. So weather you purchase them from the parts department or from an electronics store, you can get as many as you wish for as many passengers as you want.

Hope this helps.

Ken

wirelessman

Kevin, are you talking about the diamond shaped yellow "Brains on Board"? The folder nicely shows the layouts for the different seat configurations to accomodate 7 or 8 passengers.

My son & I were bummed out that we couldn't at least look at the van up close, much less sit in it and check the headroom, legroom, etc....

The DVD screen seemed a little small maybe an aftermarket model with a larger screen that could be hung on a headrest should be the way to go...

BUT the van LOOKS GREAT & I'm looking forward to putting one in my garage!!!

monterey6

Headrests for 3rd row are adjustable and must be all the way down if you want to fold either side down into the floor and want them to lay flat.

deepan

I am not convinced that an 8th seat can be put into the XLE. the reason being the floor mounts are not there. Take a look at this jpeg.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_photo.html?recnum=004105

The spare mounts shown are probably for the right seat to be moved towards the left to form a bench.

twinmom73

Looks like the spare mounts may also be to put the console in between the 2nd row seats.

dplachta

Anyone know the tow rating on it? I'm hoping it can tow 3500 lbs. like the existing Sienna.

toyotaken

There is no specs on Towing so far, but it should be at least 3,500 lbs. I'll post an update as we get them. All of the specs released so far are "preliminary" so that is not in the info released so far.

Ken

kmcmi

Wirelessman, Yes, the Brains on Board booklet is what I am talking about, and I too was bummed that I couldn't get into the vehicle to get better pictures.

Someone earlier asked about the power folding outside mirrors. Unfortunately that is not an option, at least not in the US. The mirrors however are easily folded like the current one.

The spare tire nut is located under a flap of carpet behind the front passanger seat in the floor. It works exactly like the current Sienna. The spare tire is on a wire and wingnut combo. You turn the nut and the tire lowers to the ground.

shued

Some one may ask or provide the information
already. What I hope to ask is: when it is 8 seat
configuration, do the two outside seats in
second row have armrest or not?

ruggedland

The new Sienna looks great, especially on the inside. Looks like a winner (aka, Odyssey killer).

http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/83142/page020.html

nicolekir

Anyone know if the AWD will be available in the LE or just the XLE?? And also when will the 2004 Siennas be arriving at dealerships????

Would appreciate any info!!

Thanks

samnoe

You right. the "Interior" rearview mirror is nothing to add, but on the new 2004 Sienna there will also be this feature on the driver's side "outside" mirror! and my question is if I can add this too?

And nobody has an answer if the power controls of the windows/door locks will be illuminated?

One more question: Most Toyota's has very small rear windows, and the rear wiper covers only a very small part of it. Take for an example the current 2003 Sienna. Will the new 2004 be bigger?

racer81

I was disappointed to hear that the Sienna was roped off at the Detroit Show. Was looking forward to seeing it at the St. Louis Auto Show. I'm interested in seeing the interior leg room and cargo space compared to the DC vans. They have more than my 00 Windstar. Always impressed with Toyotas quality.

canuck13

AWD is available in LE and XLE models according to Toyota website. As previously noted, AWD implies run-flat tires as there is (apparently) no spare tire. I've ordered a AWD XLE but am thinking of changing to FWD because of the spare tire "problem".

riskaker11

Toronto Show hopefully will be able to get a better look. Feb 15th

jci1

According to Toyota the new Sienna was available to sit in at the L.A. Auto show. It will also be on display this weekend in Nashville and in 2 weeks in Houston.

canuck13

Can someone at the auto show ask Toyota reps the following questions:

Can traditional (non-run flat)snow tires be installed on AWD models? If yes, what happens to the low tire pressure warning system? Will it continually indicate a malfunction? Who manufactures the warning system?

samnoe

Sorry. It's the first time I hear this word 'Run-Flat' tires. Can somebody explain me what it is? Is it the same as 'Self-Sealing' tires?

Also, at http://pressroom.toyota.com I see that the shifter will be in 'Zigzag Selector' format, not only the shifter, but also on the dashboard, which is very different for a minivan and hard to get used to.

By the way, the dashboard meters color will be white-on-white, as I see there. Why not red-pointer (needle) gauges like most other minivans? and why not white-faced instrumentation like their own Corolla which is beautiful?

kmcmi

You can put any tire run flat or not on the awd model. The tire pressure warning system counts the rotations of the wheel and turns on a warning light if one of the wheels turns at a different rate than the others. The problem you will run into is that if you get a flat you have no spare tire to put on the vehicle and will be forced to get the van towed to the nearest dealer or tire shop. As far as who manufactures the system ?? I don't have any idea.

For the person asking about the outside dimming driver side mirror, I don't have a part number yet so there is nothing currently available. As the van comes to production we will know more about what items can be added at the dealer or from the factory, or simply not at all.

I will be working at the auto show in Detroit again tomorrow night (1/15) and I will inquire about the center arm rests in the 8 passenger model. I will post what I find on Thursday unless someone else finds out faster.

Sienna US Launch date is March 14.

toyotaken

From what I know, there are two different styles being used for run-flat tires. Some of the attributes are the same for both types.

The first is a relatively conventional tire, but has a firmer sidewall and a, for lack of a better term, goop inside of the tire itself that when the tire is punctured, either seals around the object puncturing the tire or seals the hole if small enough when the air preasure forces the "goop" into the hole, sealing it.

The other way that I know of that they design run-flat tires is typically used on lower-profile tires. The reason for using this design only on low profile tires is that they reinforce the sidewall. They are designed to be able to support the stresses of the weight of the vehicle as well as movement. Most of this type of tire are designed to be able to be driven flat for up to 100 miles at 55mph.

I don't know which style Toyota is using on the Sienna, but if I hear anything, I'll be happy to post their response here.

Ken

canuck13

I was doing some research on the internet last night on this topic.

There are various names used by the manufacturers for this technology. Dunlop calls it Dunlop Self Supporting Technology (DSST)...others call it zero-pressure..and some call it Run-flat. The technology involves changes to the tire structure so that it can support the weight of the vehicle even when there is no air in the tire. I believe Toyota are using it in the AWD configuration as there is no place to put a spare tire under the vehicle. Thus, I believe the Sienna will have tires with a reinforced sidewall...not self sealing. That would explain why they have the pressure warning system.

It appears that there are different technologies available to detect the loss of tire pressure.
Dunlop have a system (called "Warnair") that interfaces with the 4 wheel ABS system to detect loss of pressure (sounds like the description in #506 above). Another supplier's techology called "Smartire wireless pressure monitoring system" has sensors mounted on the wheel rim before the tire is installed. A system like Dunlop's would be great as you could change wheel rims without affecting the detection system...whereas with the Smartire system you would lose the wireless transmitter if you changed the wheels. That is why I was asking what system Toyota plans to use.

Re the spare...I was thinking I'd buy a compact spare wheel/tire and throw it in the back on a long trip...and take my chances around the city.

I'm sure that replacement run flat tires to match the size Toyota have specified are going to be very very expensive. So far, I havn't been able to find a tire manufacturer with a run-flat tire of that exact size (225 - 60R17). I'm trying to figure out what tires they will use so I have some idea of future replacement cost.

toyotaken

I would assume that they will use the same system they use on the current generation of the sienna. That is to say that they use the ABS sensors to detect a radical change in the turning speed of any tire to warn the driver. That is why on the current gen. Sienna's they have a system reset button on the left lower dash to re-calibrate the sensors if you re-inflate your tires or deflate them for some reason.

Hope this helps.

Ken

gunduz

Almost bought an Ody. Honda dealership was too slow which allowed me to find out about the 2004 Sienna. Never owned a Toyota. Looking for a reputable dealership in Central Massachusetts. Any suggestions?

canuck13

Thanks very much, Ken...I didn't realize that feature was on the existing models. Do you know if it will indicate when a tire is starting to go flat...or only when it is completely deflated? Is that feature only on Siennas or on all Toyota products with 4 wheel ABS? I'd not heard of it at all until I started looking at the 2004 Sienna.

canuck13

Forgot to ask...what type of warning to you get?...audible alarm...light on the dash etc?

deepan

light on the dash. Never had to use the reset in more than 2 yrs of use. It also comes on as part of the initial diagnostics when the van is first started.

toyotaken

From what I've seen, just 5 or so PSI can activate the system, so it warns of low tire preasure, not just a flat tire. As was indicated above, the indicator is a light on the dash.

Ken

jci1

That's right, just a few lbs low and the light goes on, we found out we picked up a nail, got it fixed, filled it back to the proper pressure and all is good!

jaanderson12

My right rear tire on my '98 XLE has had a slow leak for about 8 weeks (I haven't had time to repair it). The warning light has come on 6 or 7 times and every time the tire pressure reading has been exactly 25 psi.

little_pogi

Here are some official specs on it.
L=200", W=77.4", H=68.9"., Wt=4,120#. Engine 230HP 3.3 lt V6 w/ 242 ft-lb of torgue. Mileage is 20/25 (city/hwy) and 18/22 for AWD. 8 pass seating avail in CE and LE models. One thing cool I notice, the rear (second seat) windows goes down like the front windows. It is definitely bigger than the old Sienna. 8x4 plywood pieces will fit into it. On the safety side, 3-row side curtains airbags are available on all models and standard on the XLE limited. On the LE and up models, power side and back door (with pinch protection sensors) are standard. Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with remote and wireless headphones and 115v outlets are available. And a lot more. Pricing was not available at this time.

Overall, if you can wait until late 1st Q or early 2nd Q, this is the minivan to get. You will not be dissapointed. It may also be the quietest minival ride you may have riden in.

jctobin

According to the specs on Toyota's website, the power rear door is an option on the two XLE trim levels, not standard on LE and up. The specs are notably quiet on the issue of power side doors, although they do mention that "Obstacle-detection sensors with "pinch protection" on power side doors and back door" are standard on LE and up with power side and back doors. But I wouldn't take this to necessarily mean that the power side doors are standard, I'd be surprised to see them standard on the LE model.

samnoe

Just a question: Some other manufecturers (GM & Chrysler +) has a tire pressure monitor which will also warn you is you have HIGH pressure, like 39 psi... As it seems to me the Sienna will not have the 'monitering' system, but just the 'low tire pressure' warning system. Am I correct?

BTW, I noticed the new Sienna looks similer to the Highlander SUV. If so, they can place the spare tire on the rear liftgate like the SUV's...

dplachta

Sliding doors work fine. This seems like an option most wouldn't buy yet they made it standard on the LE--the middle of the row luxury level? I tend to avoid automatic doors in most places.

This means I'll have to get the CE. I hope it has decent seats.

The more I see this van the more I like it. Just hope they don't force us to go with too much stuff to buy one.

jandk98

I am VERY interested in the 2004 Sienna, and would most likely be looking at the LE. Thing is, I HOPE that little_pogi is sort of correct, because I really like the idea of power side doors standard. I'll have two little ones (newborn and 3 years old) when I buy a van shortly, and power doors would be more than a convenience for loading, especially in inclement weather. Anyone with multiple little people should understand. If they aren't standard, I'll be adding them as an option.

Incidentally, I am so interested in the van that I have decided to hold off my Honda Ody purchase until I can see the Sienna. I even called 1-800-go-toyota (the national customer service number) to get more info. I asked for info, literature, anything! the person told me the brochures should be released by the early part of February, and to look for the car in showrooms by early-to-mid March. That's as best as they could do. Seems like Toyota keeps good tabs on the info they release.

I hope my wait is worth it. I have never owned a Toyota, but I think I'm ready to try it...