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I remember the year my parents bought me my first car as if it were yesterday. Blue and shiny, there were no words to describe my elation at having power windows! Fast forward to 2014 and the bar is set much higher as far as technology.
We’ve been driving the 2014 Toyota Sienna for a few months now, and perhaps what makes it so enjoyable to drive (apart from all of the space!) are the innovative features that keep us connected, in-the-know, and entertained while we get from place to place. While I’m still exploring all of the technology this minivan has to offer, here are the top 5 technology features of the Toyota Sienna:
Navigation: Living in Southern California makes it nearly impossible to avoid driving. Our city is spread out in such a way that public transportation is mediocre at best. Despite having lived here my entire life, I still have to use Nav to get me to meetings with clients, family, and friends. Nearly every time I step into the 2014 Toyota Sienna, I’m using the Touch-Screen to input a new and exciting destination. One of the built-in safety features of the navigation system is that you must be stopped in order to input an address. There is also a voice-activated option as part of a package option on the XLE model, which would come in handy while driving.
Entune App Suite: These days, there really is an app for everything, including the 2014 Toyota Sienna! Available as an option on the LE, SE, and XLE models, this suite of apps includes Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Pandora, giving you access to everything from real-time traffic and weather to fuel prices, sports, stocks, and more. Additionally, you can order movie tickets, make a restaurant reservation, and create your favorite road trip playlist using the apps available in this suite. In order to access the Entune App Suite, you’ll simply need to download the free app from the iTunes or Google Play store. At present, this is a subscription-free service which makes it a very attractive feature to include when considering a purchase.
Dual-View Entertainment Center: If Nav is the feature I’m going to miss most, it’s the Entertainment Center the kids will be lamenting when we return our 2014 Toyota Sienna. Outfitted with a huge 16.4 inch color display, my kids have really enjoyed watching movies and shows, particularly during longer trips. Interestingly enough, the screen can actually display one or two images from separate sources. My kids can typically agree upon what they’re watching so we didn’t explore this option. Included with the Entertainment Center is a remote and two wireless headphones, which means while the kids are watching The LEGO Movie, I can still listen to my favorite music on SiriusXM Radio. One thing to note…the headphones won’t work while seated in the driver or passenger seats for safety reasons.
Steering Wheel Controls: As much as a safety feature as it is a tech feature, having all of the controls at my fingertips is both convenient and smart. Whether you need to pick up an important call, find your favorite radio station, or navigate your way, using both the steering wheel controls and voice command options will ensure your focus (and your hands) never leaves the wheel.
Smart Key System: It’s a rarity that I’m anywhere without my kids in tow, and when you combine groceries, swim gear, or any other items I’m toting around with my kids, it makes a keyless access system a must. As long as the vehicle senses the Smart Key fob is in your pocket or purse, adjacent to the vehicle, you can open any of the Sienna’s doors or the lift-gate simply by touching or pulling the handle. Additionally, the sliding doors can be opened and closed at the touch of a button and the engine can be started and stopped with a simple push of a button (be sure your foot is on the brake pedal when attempting to start the vehicle). And, since Toyota thinks of everything, the Sienna also has switches overhead to open and close both the sliding doors and the lift-gate.
While I’ve listed out my Top 5 Technology Features of the Toyota Sienna, there are so many more luxury and comfort features you won’t want to miss including Bluetooth Connectivity, three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, a USB port, auto sound leveling (based on how fast you are driving) and more! I encourage you to visit your local Toyota dealer to test-drive the 2014 Toyota Sienna or visit Toyota.com/Sienna.
Images: Rockin’ Mama unless otherwise noted.
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