The Toyota Sienna, in its third generation (produced from 2010 to 2017), represents a significant evolution in the minivan segment. Sold primarily in North America, the Sienna distinguished itself with available all-wheel drive, a feature relatively uncommon among its competitors. This generation of the Sienna focused on providing a comfortable and practical transportation solution for families, blending spaciousness with Toyota’s reputation for reliability. The 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic model, detailed here, was a popular configuration, offering a balance of power and capability for a variety of driving conditions.
Toyota Sienna III 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic: An Overview
The Sienna III, specifically the 3.5 V6 AWD variant, catered to the North American market’s demand for versatile family vehicles. While minivans aren’t as prevalent in other global markets like Europe or Asia, where smaller MPVs and SUVs are favored, the Sienna carved a niche for itself by offering a compelling combination of features, including a spacious interior, available all-wheel drive, and a robust V6 engine. This generation saw improvements in safety features, interior refinement, and overall driving experience compared to its predecessors.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Sienna III 3.5 V6 AWD lies the 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 332 Nm (244.87 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,700 rpm. The engine’s configuration – a 60-degree V-angle with four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) incorporating Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) – contributes to its smooth operation and responsive power delivery. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.8 kg/Hp, or 127.9 Hp/tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.3 kg/Nm, or 159.6 Nm/tonne. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Control Technology-intelligent (ECT-i), providing smooth and efficient gear changes. Fuel economy is rated at 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) combined, with figures of 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) in urban driving and 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) on the highway.
Design & Features
The Toyota Sienna III maintains the classic minivan silhouette, characterized by a boxy shape optimized for interior space. It’s a five-door vehicle typically configured to seat seven or eight passengers. The 2010-2017 model year Sienna boasts a generous interior volume, with a minimum trunk capacity of 993 liters (35.07 cu. ft.) expanding to a substantial 3810 liters (134.55 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Key features of this generation include available power sliding doors, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. Safety features were a priority, with standard inclusion of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and multiple airbags. The Sienna’s design prioritized practicality and comfort, making it well-suited for family transportation. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 5085 mm (200.2 in), width 1984 mm (78.11 in), and height 1811 mm (71.3 in), with a wheelbase of 3030 mm (119.29 in). The drag coefficient is rated at 0.30, contributing to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Sienna |
| Generation | Sienna III |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (266 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7-8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 266 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77 Hp/l |
| Torque | 332 Nm @ 4700 rpm (244.87 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3456 cm3 (210.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.4 l (10.99 US qt | 9.15 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2080-2148 kg (4585.62 – 4735.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 993 l (35.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3810 l (134.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Length | 5085 mm (200.2 in.) |
| Width | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Height | 1811 mm (71.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3030 mm (119.29 in.) |
| Front track | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 168 mm (6.61 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.37 m (37.3 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission ECT-i |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
The Toyota Sienna III 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic offered a compelling package for families seeking a spacious, reliable, and capable minivan. Its combination of a powerful V6 engine, available all-wheel drive, and a focus on safety and comfort solidified its position as a popular choice in the North American market.






