A Look at the Redesigned 2015 Toyota Camry, Sienna, & Yaris

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of participating in a Toyota event (the Toyota “Family Reunion”) which showcased some of their 2015 lineup.  Along with a fun group of other participants, I got some hands-on experience with the new Toyota Camry, Sienna, and Yaris. Driving cool cars in the warm Florida sun?  Definitely my idea of a good time.  Toyota set us up in Ponte Verda (near Jacksonville), gave us lots of great information, and sent us off to drive all three cars around this beautiful beach town.

One thing I love to do is drive, and I like to do it in style.  Whether I’m playing chauffeur to the kids or have a few hours to drive around and enjoy myself on a leisurely (haha, that never happens anymore), I demand a car that’s stylish, safe, efficient, and comfortable.  Luckily, Toyota cars are chock-full of all those requirements.  Let me share all the neat things I learned about the 2015 Camry, Sienna, and Yaris models:

Toyota Camry

You already know more than you realize about the Camry, because they’re all over the road.  Since it’s been the best-selling car in America for the last 12 years, that’s no surprise!

The 2015 Camry has an amazing new design, looking cooler and bolder than ever.  But it’s not just pretty; it handles better and rides more comfortably than previous models.  It also comes in two sporty new body styles:  the XSE adds luxury to the SE model, and the Hybrid SE provides a great option for anyone looking for an eco-friendly car.

The new Camry has an aggressive looking front bumper and grille, lots of character all around, and low-profile LED headlamps.  It’s sleeker and slightly longer with a widened track.  The interior has been decked out in premium materials and feels roomier than before.  It has a new center stack featuring a high-tech, upscale look and a center console with all the storage and power options you need and then some.  You’ll find a new 4.2-inch TFT screen and multimedia system for audio, navigation, warnings, and communications.  Whether you want to connect your phone to jam out to your favorite playlist, or check out the air pressure in each tire, this system does it.

As for safety, the Camry is as advanced as ever.  It offers in-demand features like a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, and 10 standard airbags.  The Camry also comes standard with the Star Safety System (Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist), plus a Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.  The Camry gets an estimated 25 MPG city / 35 MPG highway fuel economy.  Remember, though, that Toyota is the world’s leader in hybrid vehicles, and the Camry Hybrid does not disappoint with its 43 MPG city / 39 MPG highway / 41 MPG combined fuel economy.

The Camry is bold, stylish, safe, efficient, and downright cool.

Toyota Sienna

Toyota’s Sienna family van is everything you expect, plus a lot more.  It has room for eight people and is the only van in its segment available with all-wheel drive (my husband just loves that).

Remember the Swagger Wagon?

Well it’s got more swagger than ever in the 2015 model!  The interior styling has been upgraded with premium materials, the exterior is more expressive and stylish, it’s got new media features and all the safety features you’ve come to expect from Toyota.  The most exciting new feature is the Driver Easy Speak option.  If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve wished you could magically summon a bullhorn to get those backseat mischief-makers in order.  Wish no more!  The Driver Easy Speak feature provides a microphone from the voice-command multi-media system that will pump your voice through the rear speakers.  Instant attention!  On the exterior, the Sienna looks more upscale than before, with slimmer headlights and a revised grille.

Safety-wise, you’re looking at additional LATCH options for securing child seats, increased side curtain airbag coverage, a new front passenger seat cushion airbag, and a new front passenger selectable force-limiting seatbelt to help enhance safety for a greater number of physiques.  The interior has a new center console and dash design with plenty of multi-media controls at the tip of your fingers, and a new available pushbutton driver’s seat center armrest that can be adjusted to many positions.  Comfort is key!  In case you were worried about making that big step up to a family van, fear not.  The sporty SE model looks like a sport sedan that morphed into a family van.  Haul the kids around in style–with swagger, in fact!

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris has a new sharp design with a distinctly European flavor.  If you’re in the market for a small car, it has everything you need plus fun and value.

The Yaris comes in both 3-door and 5-door liftback options, both fresh from Toyota’s ED2 design studio (located in the South of France where “hot hatches” are all the rage).  A large grille opening gives the Yaris a touch of aggression in appearance, which many small cars are lacking! It also has a sportier new dashboard and softer materials throughout.  The length has increased slightly (2 inches) but the Yaris still keeps the small size for which it’s known.  The sportier SE version adds cool new features like black headlight trim and special gloss black 16-inch alloy wheels.  In general, the Yaris is also softer than before with more comfortable materials and soft-touch trim.

As for safety, again, Toyota does not disappoint. This tiny car packs some big features into such a small package. You’ll find nine airbags, Advanced Whiplash Injury-Lessening front-seat structure, as well as the advanced Star Safety System found in the Camry and Sienna. The Star System gives the Yaris Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology.

Now, let’s briefly talk audio.  I’ve mentioned numerous times how much I love my music, and I want it to sound amazing while I’m driving.  The Entune Audio System that you’ll find in all of these makes of Toyotas will probably be more than adequate for most people with it’s great sound and selection of apps.  For those of you who desire a superior listening experience, some Camry and Sienna models have the option of Premium JBL Audio.  It’s been completely retuned for these newer models, and I must say that it’s very much worth the upgrade.  I had the opportunity to test it with just about every type of music you can think of, and in each case, the sound was so full and rich.  There’s a reason more than 80% of movie theaters use JBL speakers, and you’ll know why when you hear these in action.

I had an awesome time trying out all the new 2015 models.  There’s nothing quite like that new-car smell, and when you add in a beach setting and the freedom to drive at leisure, that makes for a great day.  I really enjoyed all three models:  the Camry is just an obvious choice for anyone in need of a sedan, the Sienna is definitely the best van I’ve tried, and the Yaris is terrific for those seeking a small, zippy car.

My favorite?  The Camry.  It has all the features I want with a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride, and it’s just the right size for me and my 4-person family.  While it’s a bit too large for me, I suspect many of you will prefer the Sienna–the original swagger wagon.  You’ll appreciate all the room and family-friendly features it offers and the fact that it doesn’t sacrifice style in exchange.  It has a bold look and just emanates Style (with a capital S).  And that Driver Easy Speak system?  Anyone with kids will love being able to communicate with them without having to turn around or yell.  If a small yet spacious vehicle with a lot of personality sounds appealing, the Yaris is the one for you.  It’s so much fun to drive and it’s a great value.  I could definitely see that as a commuter car for my husband…that I just might need to borrow on the weekends!

Thanks again, Toyota, for the opportunity to spend some time with you and your updated cars.  Readers, if you’re in the market, I suggest you head straight to your favorite Toyota dealer and check them out for yourself.  You’ll be glad you did!