2021 Toyota Sienna minivan launched with a hybrid powertrain

KUALA LUMPUR: It's been over a decade since the third-generation Toyota Sienna debuted, and in recent years, it has been overtaken by newer rivals. For that matter, Toyota has just introduced a completely-redesigned 2021 Sienna that is radically different from the earlier generation. It is not just the design that has changed, but the amount of technology and drivetrains that have been completely overhauled, too. 

The new version of the minivan has ditched the 3.5-litre V6 engine and will only be available with a hybrid powertrain. The new mechanical setup features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder mill and two electric motors to get a combined output of 243 PS. No doubt, the output has been decreased by 56 PS, but the fuel efficiency has increased. The automaker claims that the fourth-generation Sienna will carry EPA fuel economy rating of up to 33 mpg, which means a significant improvement of 12 mpg. The Sienna Hybrid also comes with an all-wheel-drive option.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna sits on a new TNGA platform that can be found on automaker’s other vehicles also. With the bold and innovative approach, the design team created the minivan with strong and robust proportions. The front design was inspired by the Japanese bullet train, and the headlights are mounted high and stretched around to the sides. The bold lower grille is contrasted by sleek LED fog lights that are pushed to the corners to enhance the wide and stable stance.

The interior has also been redesigned, with seven- and eight-passenger seating layouts still available. If the customers opt for the eighth seat in a lower trim, the minivan will comprise a stowable eighth seat between the second-row captain’s chairs. 

Influenced by the robust character of SUVs, the minivan is loaded with several premium features including kick-open and closed sliding side doors and rear gate, heated second-row super-long slide captain’s chairs, four-zone climate control system, onboard vacuum and refrigerator, a segment-first power tilt and telescoping steering column with a heated steering wheel, a 10-inch color head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, 12-speaker JBL audio system.

For 2021 Sienna, the Japanese automaker has raised the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility, and fuel efficiency in its segment. However, it has not released the two extremely important things with minivans - pricing and cargo capacity. So stay tuned with us for further information.

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