WASHINGTON — The Toyota Sienna SE+ adds some sport to the minivan world.
When I see new or concept vehicles, they are rare vehicles that are usually for show. Toyota wants to make the minivan cool again, so they show their new rides at a racetrack. It’s not just seen sitting around but actually competing in a cross country race called One Lap of America, which has more than 3,000 miles of roads and tracks.
Toyota has two Toyota Sienna minivans competing at One Lap: the R Tuned and the Toyota Sienna SE+. The R Tuned model is 800 pounds lighter, having shed all the creature comforts. It adds larger wheels and a fancy adjustable suspension. But it’s still front-wheel drive with the stock engine, and the driver at One Lap is a professional race car driver. It’s strange watching a van racing on a track. Remarkably, it was in the top 20 of all cars — including high-dollar exotic automobiles. This R Tuned Sienna has little chance of ever being sold at your local Toyota dealer so don’t get your hopes up.
But the second Sienna Toyota in the race is production ready. The Toyota Sienna SE+, which is coming to a dealer soon, has a sportier look than other minivans and maybe more like what a swagger wagon should look like. With blacked out trim, it loses the chrome shine on the badges and front grill. I have to say it’s a better look with tinted head and tail lights, which add a bit of sporty aftermarket flair. There are large black 19-inch wheels with more of a sports-car Pirelli tire, plus some aerodynamic pieces that help set it apart from other Sienna minivans. It’s finished off with, of all things, a small spoiler on the roof. The inside looks like a typical Sienna minivan with comfort and space for up to eight people.
Track time came and off I went in … a minivan, a first for me. Even under speed restrictions imposed by the track, the Sienna passed the speed limit and handled with surprising confidence. It leans some in corners but less than I expected. The tires help out because they are more aggressive and the sidewall isn’t as tall as a regular tire on a minivan, but the ride didn’t seem any different than any other Sienna model. I almost forgot that there were four others riding with me because I was having some fun in, dare I say, a minivan. Pricing hasn’t been announced just yet. The normal SE trim level starts under $36,000. And I hope to be able to drive it on the street soon and do a more complete review.
Editor’s Note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
