This is a sponsored post. Thank you to Toyota for supporting The Mod Mommy.
It’s official. I have crossed over to the dark side. Well, I crossed over for a week. But, I want to go back, really I do.
When you’re a mom of multiples, you know the day is coming. The day you trade your beloved 4-door sedan or super chic SUV in for a minivan. And I know at some point, you’ve thought “I’m too cool to drive a minivan.”
Yeah, me too.
Trust me, after I test drove a fully-equipped 2015 Toyota Sienna for a week, I was singing a different tune. I actually felt smarter driving the Sienna because of its efficiency. I got things done faster and with ease. Who am I?
It felt like Christmas the day the van showed up. I could not wait to peek inside because I’ve secretly always wanted to drive one even though I would never admit it to my friends who don’t yet have children.
But, anyone who drives them will tell you they are a wonder and couldn’t live without them.
>> Check out my Flipagram below for a super quick recap of my week with the Sienna!
Here are 6 reasons I love the 2015 Toyota Sienna:
It’s spacious. The van can be configured for 7 or 8 passengers. This was key in creating captain’s chairs so I could fit three car seats in. It also had plenty of storage space. We stored the middle seat in a lower part of the trunk and still had room for our double stroller and more!
It’s convenient and comfortable for everyone. Passengers in the second row have their own climate controls. No more fights about how hot or cold it is!
It’s smart. The Sienna has this intelligent technology called Driver Easy Speak. When it’s turned on, your passengers in the way back can you clearly. It comes through the speakers and you can set the volume. My daughter loved this feature because I no longer needed to shout when talking with her.
- The backup camera is an amazing feature to have in any vehicle, but especially in a larger one like a minivan. Parking is a breeze when viewing the rear through a 7-inch touchscreen display.
- One of my favorite things was the blind spot monitor. A little icon would show up on a side mirror whenever it wasn’t a good time for me to pass a car in another lane. It was super helpful and accurate.
It’s efficient. The fact that I could open either passenger door while pressing a button on a key fob is a win in my book. Mind. Blown.
It’s safe. There are eight standard airbags in the Sienna, including a driver’s knee bag.
It’s cool. Seriously, the sunroof is huge. The kids loved looking at the clouds or moon as we drove. They also really enjoyed the DVD player. We only used it when we traveled anywhere more than 30 minutes but it was a big help when we got stuck in traffic.
Speaking of traveling long distance. Toyota was kind enough to send my family and I on a day trip to Nashoba Valley Ski Area. The hour ride was a dream, as everyone was comfortable in their chairs enjoying all the legroom. Nashoba Valley has 17 trails and 11 lifts, along with a terrain park and tubing.
You can also rent ski equipment there and buy clothing or accessories if you may have forgotten anything. My husband left his hat at home so it was helpful to have the store available! Spring skiing is definitely my favorite way to ski. I hate the cold, so to be outside when the sun is out and not freeze my butt off is definitely a plus! After a morning of skiing, we took a break and had lunch at The Outlook Restaurant on site. I recommend the Cajun Jambalaya.
On the way home from our Sunday Funday at Nashoba Valley, my husband jumped to the second row, reclined his chair and took a nap. You would have thought he was sleeping in first class on an airplane.
In my opinion and experience, the Sienna has defied the odds of being a stereotypical minivan and has officially declared itself as the “Original Swagger Wagon.”
So, what do you think? Do you see yourself crossing over to the dark side?
Disclosure: Toyota supplied me with a fully equipped 2015 Toyota Sienna to test drive for the week. They also provided my family and I with a fun day at Nashoba Valley Ski Area, as well as some other goodies to facilitate this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I wasn’t told what to say.