2015 Toyota Sienna SE Keeps the Swagger, Adds Thoughtful Updates

Now that there is a slight refresh for the 2015 model, the company is trying to capture that effervescent image again with a bunch of videos aimed at families.

For the latest launch, Toyota is partnering with some family-friendly online video stars and having them show off the Sienna's features. It's releasing YouTube videos from the creators of Action Movie Kid and Convos with My 2-Year-Old and a Vine from Eh Bee Family, and they all hope to show that it's cool to be a family with a minivan.

In terms of actual changes, though, the update is pretty light aesthetically, but the new tech inside seems aimed directly at mom and dad. However, unless you've got a sharp eye, spotting the exterior refresh might be tough. Toyota is tweaking the front end slightly by adding a dark mesh grille and trim. The headlights are also slightly reshaped to incorporate a new strip of available LED running lights.

As they say, it's what's on the inside that counts, and there are two, new features that parents with precocious kids are really going to love. First, the Driver Easy Speak system puts a built-in microphone near drivers that projects their voice through the rear speakers. That means no more yelling to sit down. There's also an optional pull-down mirror that lets drivers check out what rear passengers are doing without turning around.

Other interior updates include more soft touch materials and a standard panoramic backup camera. The optional 4.2-inch multifunction display can show navigation directions, and the optional seven-inch infotainment system gets capacitive switches with swipe controls.

The 2015 Sienna SE will make its public debut at Artscape, a free arts festival in Baltimore, MD, that runs from July 18-20. Scroll down to watch the videos and read Toyota's full announcement.