Rick Popely

Cars.com

Don't expect any big changes in the looks of the Toyota Sienna minivan for 2017, but there will be some changes under the hood and on the window sticker.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine gets direct injection and 30 more horsepower, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed as standard on all models. But the minivan is also going to cost more, $900 on all models.

The destination fee also gets higher, by $40 to $940. The new one comes to showrooms this month.

Toyota's minivan comes in a variety of flavors, with choices of seven- or eight-passenger interior configurations and front- or all-wheel drive. But it has suffered from a loud, gruff V-6 engine that delivered peppy performance with a decidedly unpleasant demeanor.

The addition of direct injection and an eight-speed automatic transmission may not make the engine more refined, but at least it should deliver better performance and fuel economy. The 2017 EPA estimates weren't available, but any improvement would be welcome over the 2016 EPA estimates of 18 miles per hour in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.

The Sienna's roomy interior has a spacious second row and ample cargo space (up to 87.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded). However, resetting the third row seats for passengers is a wrestling match. The van is also unique among minivans in offering all-wheel drive, making it a good choice in the Snow Belt, where it can match the traction capabilities of many SUVs while exceeding them in interior space and flexibility.