Second Generation Toyota Sienna: The Enhanced Minivan Era
The second-generation Toyota Sienna, introduced in 2003 as the XL 20, featured significant upgrades including fold-flat seats, increased space, and advanced safety features. With versatile options like all-wheel drive and modern amenities, it set new standards for family minivans until its major redesign in 2010.
Introduced as a successor to the Previa, the Toyota Sienna quickly gained recognition for its safety features and advanced engine technology. In 2003, it redefined its lineup as the Toyota Sienna XL 20, incorporating valuable enhancements. During development, the designer and his family traveled across the U.S. to refine the vehicle’s design and engineering. Notable upgrades included a new five-speed transmission and fold-flat third-row seats, allowing users to transport larger items with ease.
The vehicle's overall volume increased by 45%, with a 39% boost in cargo space. The top-tier Limited model added features like memory seats, power-folding mirrors, and a foldable third-row seat. Standard amenities across all models included keyless entry, solar glass, adjustable steering, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
All-wheel drive became available in this generation, with higher trims offering parking sensors, a convex rear mirror, voice-activated navigation, backup camera, and DVD entertainment. The Sienna XL20 achieved high safety scores in NHTSA crash tests, equipped with side curtain airbags for all rows and front torso airbags. Later models added vehicle stability control, maintaining a focus on durability and safety until the 2010 model year, when major redesigns were implemented.
