Test drove a V6 2011 Sienna with my wife and we both really liked the driving position and seat comfort. The 2nd row seats are unbelievably comfortable. She liked it better than the Highlander. I'm not going to argue because that just saved me a few thousand dollars. Has anyone tried or bought the 4 cylinder yet? It wasn't available at the dealership yet although the salesman said that they are expecting one anyday. We don't need another V6 and its just for the Missus for commuting.
Appreciate the feedback.
Reply 1 : 4 cylinder or V6?
Motor Trend magazine has tested a 4 cyl 2011 Sienna in the 12/09 issue and the review is available on their website.
Reply 2 : 4 cylinder or V6?
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Originally Posted by venzoid 
We don't need another V6 and its just for the Missus for commuting.
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Reply 3 : 4 cylinder or V6?
To me the 4 is just a horse and pony show. Load the van up and you will want more than 187hp. I also don't think the fuel mpg gain from the 4 is worth it.. Now, if it was a 4cyl turbo diesel with big tq numbers, maybe, but its not.
Get the v6.
Reply 4 : 4 cylinder or V6?
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Originally Posted by racerd
To me the 4 is just a horse and pony show. Load the van up and you will want more than 187hp. I also don't think the fuel mpg gain from the 4 is worth it.. Now, if it was a 4cyl turbo diesel with big tq numbers, maybe, but its not.
Get the v6. |
I would also think the resale value would take quite a hit with the 4 banger.
Reply 5 : 4 cylinder or V6?
V6 all the way
Reply 6 : 4 cylinder or V6?
i think you will be more satisfied with the v6 and resale will be better.
i had a 2002 model van with 200 hp and it was fine, but the 08 model we traded for has 266 hp and gets better mpg.
It will get up and go, if necessary and sometimes pulling into traffic with 18 wheelers, get up and go is necessary.
Reply 7 : 4 cylinder or V6?
Siennas are pretty heavy, I'd get the V6 too
Reply 8 : 4 cylinder or V6?
Thanks for the feedback so far. The Motor Trend article was interesting and it surprised me that a 50% uptake number was mentioned for the 4 cylinder. I know from a similar thread on the Venza forum that the I4 owners love the engine and stress that it is not underpowered. Curb weights of the Venza and Sienna are not that different. While the 4 is generally more fuel efficient, the consumption figures have a large overlap depending on type of driving.
Saw an I4 today at the dealership and it is very handsome. Colour coded door handles and rear sienna sign along with nice chrome surround for the grill all give it a nicer look than the base 6. It also looked to have upgraded seat fabric, though I didn't get inside. All for a lower price than the V6.
Still no test drive available for the 4. And still no-one on the forum willing to back up the I4 camp. Maybe the Sienna story will be different than the Venzas.
Reply 9 : 4 cylinder or V6?
Got the base I4 Sienna for 23,854, excluding taxes, tags, etc. in May. In mixed NYC and highway driving I'm getting about 24 mpg. I can definitely see getting close to 26 in straight highway driving. Passing at 70 to 90 mph on I87 is a breeze, even loaded with the family and all our stuff. Drove up to Minnewaska State Park today with the boys, hairpin turns going straight up the mountain to the lake, engine growled but performed perfectly fine, easily maintaining speed all the way. Between the price I paid, the great mileage, and the more than adequate performance, I'm very happy with my 4 cylinder Sienna. I could not have gotten as attractively loaded a vehicle for what I paid in the 6 cylinder, and for hauling my family around I don't need the extra power anyway. Keep in mind the 6 cylinder is rated to haul over 3000 lbs, that's just overpowered for most driving, and I know no one in a 6 cylinder is getting the mileage I am consistently. Raising a family fuel cost is a serious consideration for me.
Reply 10 : 4 cylinder or V6?
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Originally Posted by gc4711
Got the base I4 Sienna for 23,854, excluding taxes, tags, etc. in May. In mixed NYC and highway driving I'm getting about 24 mpg. I can definitely see getting close to 26 in straight highway driving. Passing at 70 to 90 mph on I87 is a breeze, even loaded with the family and all our stuff. Drove up to Minnewaska State Park today with the boys, hairpin turns going straight up the mountain to the lake, engine growled but performed perfectly fine, easily maintaining speed all the way. Between the price I paid, the great mileage, and the more than adequate performance, I'm very happy with my 4 cylinder Sienna. I could not have gotten as attractively loaded a vehicle for what I paid in the 6 cylinder, and for hauling my family around I don't need the extra power anyway. Keep in mind the 6 cylinder is rated to haul over 3000 lbs, that's just overpowered for most driving, and I know no one in a 6 cylinder is getting the mileage I am consistently. Raising a family fuel cost is a serious consideration for me.
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Sounds like your mpg is exactly what the 6 cyl. Version gets. Fully loaded for a trip I would think the 6 would give you better mpg.
Reply 11 : 4 cylinder or V6?
I'm getting 24 hwy with 2 adults, 4 kids, 2 strollers and everything associated with maintaining them over a long (80 mile) trip averaging 80 mph. I get 25-26 with just myself and the wife. I'd think a V6 would not come close. More to the point I only paid 23,800 for the best Minivan made. The V4 is attractive to me because it is economically priced as well as fuel efficient and perfectly suits my needs. I am not a kid, I don't need to know I have the most Hp or torque or toys built into my car. I'm a middle aged father of 4 kids 5 and under, and my main interest is in safe affordable transportation. I test drove the V6 and the I4 same day and I was hard pressed to tell the difference, except that the I4 was $3000 cheaper and had better mileage in an easier to maintain engine that will cost me less to keep running in the long haul, really important for myself as someone who drives more than 600 miles a month.
Reply 12 : 4 cylinder or V6?
It is good to see some feedback on the 4 cylinder version.
Just to put things into perspective.......I have a 2003 Sienna.......that replaces a 1996 Windstar.....that I bought in 1999 with just under 38K miles on it.......and had well over 220K miles on it.
The '96 3.8L windstar had the most powerful motor that was available (stock) in a minivan in 1996.....at 200hp.
My 3.0L (about 212hp rated with regular unleaded fuel) seems to have better lower end power......and I am super happy with it......
It did very nicely pulling a trailer (1000lbs empty.....with about 300lbs or so in it) and 7 of us up and down the Cumberland mountains in Tennessee on my youth mission trip.
Engine braking was also much better than with the windstar.
Toyota does a very nice job with the Sienna....and it is good to see that folks feel that this continues with the 2011 lineup.
The reviews that I have seen stated that the fuel economy is not much better with the 4 than with the 6.......
Of course, the 4 will not accellerate as quick as the 6.......but it sounds like it does just fine from what is posted above.
The past 10 years or so.....we seem to have gotten hung up on accellerate and go fast........a bit too much....as well as BIGGER.
A minivan is not "cool".......but has a LOT more (usable) room inside than a full size SUV....is more comfortable.....and economical.
The last year or so.....folks are starting to ask......on many things......"Is this worth what I am paying extra for?".
Whatever your answer is......it is a good question to ask.
Of course.....me....buying a very good condition......7 year old Sienna from a family member instead of a newer one......you can most likely guess my answer.
Reply 13 : 4 cylinder or V6?
Well I finally got my test drive in the 4 cylinder Sienna. Very impressed with the power and low speed response from the engine/tranny. Loaded it with 4 adults and a child and it was fine. Along with some of the upgrades you get with the LE model and it makes a compelling argument if you don't want to tow much. At times you are reminded that you are driving a 4 cyl with some growling from the engine, but that is to be expected. Actually, the 4 cyl (2.7L) is only a from hundred cc's smaller that our 3.0 L V6. Speaking of which now all I have to do is wait until the 2002 kicks the bucket, and judging from other posts on this forum that might be a while.
Reply 14 : 4 cylinder or V6?
Just managed a 26 mpg tank city driving, last week did 28.7 highway, loaded down with kids and associated gear in my 4 cylinder Sienna. I'm pleased with the increased torque and fuel economy as the engine breaks in. I imagine I could see 30 mpg hwy if I could drop some kid related ballast. Not doing anything special, just keeping it under 75 on the highway, no jack rabbit starts and taking it easy on the gas coming up to lights, stuff you do with a car full of kids. EPA estimates seem to be a bit off in the case of my vehicle. Low end torque and acceleration have gradually improved as well, to the point that I have to readjust my throttle habits, same pressure that brought me to 40 mph now finds me doing 50, and pulling out into traffic has pushed me back into my seat unexpectedly. Can't wait to hear from other 4 cylinder Sienna owners to compare performance and fuel economy.
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