Toyota unveils hybrid-only 2021 Sienna
Toyota has unveiled the all-new fourth generation of the Sienna minivan. The minivan which is one of Toyota’s best-selling models in North America will only be available with a hybrid powertrain. It gets aggressive styling on the outside and more premium feels on the inside.
The exterior of the new Sienna is definitely a lot sharper and aggressive. The front fascia looks a bit more like an evolution than a revolution but is enough to fully distinguish it from the outgoing model. There is a set of sleek looking wraparound LED headlights and LED fog lights. Sharper lines and creases dominate the side and rear of the Sienna. The LED taillights also feature a sharper design. There is also a set of 20-inch dark alloy wheels for the sporty XSE variant.
Toyota says that the design of the all-new Sienna looks “bold, sexy, and provocative.” The company says that it is inspired by the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train. Quite appropriate as the two types of transport serve the same purpose which is to be a people-mover.
Inside, the Sienna gets a more premium looking dashboard. In the center is a 10-inch _ infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is paired with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Other interior features include a rear entertainment system, WiFi connectivity, and Driver Easy Speak which a built-in PA system that carries the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers.
Toyota has also introduced what they call the Bridge Console. Essentially the center console, it positioned higher between the driver and front passenger for ease of use and a more connected look towards the dashboard.
The LE and XLE variants come in an 8-seater configuration with two second row long slide captain’s chairs and a stowable center seat. Other XLE models and the XSE, Limited, and Platinum variants come in a 7-seater configuration featuring Super Long Slide second row captain’s chairs. This means that the captain’s seats can be slid backward 25 inches to increase overall legroom. Limited and Platinum models also come equipped with ottomans for maximum comfort.
As mentioned above, the all-new Sienna is only available with a hybrid powertrain. The single powertrain option is a 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors. It produces a total output of 243 hp and 237 Nm of torque, paired to a continuously variable transmission. The new powertrain replaces the old 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine.
Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all variants of the Sienna. This means that the minivan is equipped with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (adaptive cruise control), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Automatic High Beams, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Road Sign Assist. Another safety feature is the Bird’s Eye Camera with Curb View which is a 360-degree around-view monitor.
Toyota does not officially sell the Sienna in the Philippines. The previous generation has always been available though through grey market importers and dealers. We won’t be surprised to see this in their dealerships and on our streets in a few months.
Images from Toyota USA
