It starts right in the front seat. The old dashboard and its curious swoosh design are gone, replaced by a less artsy, more modern design that emphasizes ergonomics. The climate controls are closer to the driver and the layout is easier to use at a glance or by feel. The digital information screen has been moved from the top of the dash to the center of the gauge cluster, where it's easier to read, and it's even offered in full color on some models. If there's one drawback, it's that the numbers on the new speedometer are fairly small and can be difficult to read at a glance.

Dead center of the dash is Toyota's latest Entune entertainment and information system, and it's a pretty good one. All models except the base get a 7-inch touchscreen augmented by two knobs, one for volume and one for tuning. All of the touch-sensitive buttons respond immediately to input and the system changes between functions quickly, so you're never waiting long for the computer to think. Base models get a smaller screen with hard buttons and a slightly less intuitive user interface.

The new Sienna's driver-friendliness extends to the actual driving as well. Adjustments to spring and shock absorber rates reduce body roll a little without any perceivable detriment to ride quality. It's simply too big for that. An additional 142 spot welds on the chassis increase rigidity, which both makes the van feel more solid and helps improve handling by reducing flex. The SE model takes it a step farther, though you won't be confusing it for sedan or even a sporty SUV. Thanks to that big entertainment screen and looming federal mandates, the driver also gets a standard back-up camera now.

If there's anything to complain about in how the Sienna drives, it's the brake pedal feel. The pedal is soft throughout its range of travel, regardless of how hard you're pressing it. While the van stops just fine, the lack of building pressure in the brake pedal is disconcerting, as it doesn't feel like you're braking as hard as you are, which makes you wonder if the vehicle is going to stop in time, even when your eyes are telling you it clearly will.

Less specifically driver-related is the addition of 25 percent more sound insulation in the floor of the van. It does a superb job of eliminating road noise from under the vehicle, but it also inadvertently highlights noise from other parts of the minivan, such as wind noise around the A-pillars. Also on the docket are an additional airbag, for a class-leading total of eight; larger side curtain airbags; two additional LATCH points in the third row, for a total of four; and additional optional safety technologies such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Interior materials quality also moves up a notch.