Another moniker which is rarely applied to a minivan, although I’ve already touched upon it, is the word sporty. Oh yes, visions (or should that be nightmares?) of the Ford Aerostar Sport immediately spring to mind, however the new Sienna Sports model features a lot more than simply a stick-on decal and some fancy side skirting.

To me, this is perhaps the most significant model in the new line-up. Why? Well, although I doubt anyone would be crazy enough to take his minivan to the track, isn’t it about time that the family favourite shed its hum-drum “get married, have kids, and buy a minivan” image?

Toyota’s new Sports Edition (SE) is certainly set to shake things up a little in that department. Starting off with a rather nice looking honeycomb front grill, the vehicle has been lowered considerably to improve its cornering capabilities. The steering has also been tweaked to supply a sharper and more responsive feel. Add in those previously mentioned 19 inch rims and some cool looking side skirts and I’d say that you have one pretty hot looking people carrier on your hands. In fact, the only negative I can find in all this, is that the Sports edition is unavailable in all-wheel-drive due to the vehicle’s lower stance.

It should be noted however that AWD is available on most other models in the line-up. In fact, Toyota is the only company currently offering the all-wheel-drive option on a minivan.

So let’s take a look at those other models in the Sienna line-up.

The range starts off from an affordable standpoint at just $27,900 (LE 7). For this, you receive a nicely equipped 7 passenger vehicle powered by respectable 2.7L 4 cylinder producing 187hp or, if you prefer, this can be upgraded to a 3.5L (V6 7) (266hp) for just $1000 more.

Although the LE model starts at under $30k, it’s not exactly a basic package. The vehicle boasts cruise control, dual-zone climate control, power-windows (with auto one-touch on all windows), and satellite radio ready AM/FM CD player (with auxiliary input jack). It also comes with power remote door locks and a host of useful features such as 3 available 12 volt power outlets.

The 8-model line-up can be configured in several ways depending on the power required and whether one chooses to go for the added safety feature of all-wheel-drive. The Sports Edition (SE 8) mentioned above is pretty much situated in the middle of the range with a price of $36,600.

We then have the XLE 7 model ($38,700) which adds such niceties as leather-trimmed heated seats, a moonroof, tri-zone climate control and rear back–up sensors. Also available on this model is a premium JBL sound system, voice-activated DVD navigation, a multi-panel moonroof, rear back-up camera, and perhaps best of all, an amazing dual-view entertainment system which simply has to be experienced first hand.

At the top of the range, we move into the realm of the V6 AWD Limited at $49,100. Now that might sound like a whole heap of kids’ hockey equipment to most parents, but you’ll not only receive true 5-star comfort for all passengers, but you’ll also be able to fit all that hockey gear in the back.

The Sienna V6 Limited AWD is comfort with a capitol C. In fact, I can personally vouch for the comfort level of the second row leather ottoman seats as I nearly fell asleep in one on a recent media trip. The Limited can truly be termed a “loaded vehicle” as it not only features all of the goodies available on the XLE but also, a wood-grained leather wrapped steering wheel, smart key system, Dual panel power moonroof, and a rather clever power folding 3^rd row seat.

Now I started this story off by asking the question, can a crossover truly stack up to the convenience of a minivan? Well, I’ve driven quite a few recently and I must say that I do enjoy most of them, but from what I’ve seen of the new 2011 Sienna, in the family transportation game, the minivan still holds the top trump card.