[Auto] Toyota Sienna 2021: the successful Yankee minivan you will want for your family

[Dr.Drako]

Do you remember the success that the mobile volumes had a few years ago? This fashion, which Renault and Chrysler knew how to make profitable in Europe, has been overshadowed by SUVs. However, there are still countries where this type of model, together with saloons, maintains a respectable market share. The United States is one of them and one of the most acclaimed minivans is the Toyota Sienna, which these days presents its new generation.
 

The story of the Toyota Sienna starts in the US in 1997. In its first installment it has already emerged, although its rivals Chrsyler and GM did not make things easy for him. Now the situation is the other way around, since it is the Japanese model one of those that sets the pace of the market. And it is not strange, because in these years it has earned a reputation as a reliable model that no one has been able to replicate. If you like it, read on, because the evolution is remarkable.

The design of the new Toyota Sienna is intended for the USA

The aesthetics of the new Toyota Sienna have been created specifically for North America. So important is its sales volume in the country, that the Japanese firm has trusted the design studios of Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, MI, of CALTY. Now, he sports a fresh, modern look that leaves his predecessors light years away and brings him closer to the brand's latest releases.
 

It stands out for the inclusion of a front chaired by an elegantly designed grille. The light groups, which flank it, are more angular and have LED technology. In the lower area there is a simple style bumper, although exaggerated in the lower air intake. Due to their large size, the fog lights are located at the lower ends. On the whole, it is more aggressive, getting very close to the line of the new Highlander.

In the side view, although more conservative, there are also changes. They are seen in the format of the wheel arches and power lines, which are now much more marked. In addition, the roofline features a steeper drop that, together with alloy wheels up to 20 inches, provides a sporty touch. The integration of the rear doors, with sliding opening, is perfect, like the sheet-glass ratio.
 

Finally, we must review its rear. Although the Toyota Sienna has nothing to do with the latest Lexus releases, it shows where the inspiration comes from. Especially in the exterior format of the optical groups, reminiscent of those who wear the new UX or NX. The lines that define the gate are more marked, although modularity is not forgotten. We see it because of the low load threshold, very useful to access the generous boot.
 

The Sienna 2021 boasts a modern and highly functional interior

If the exterior of the Toyota Sienna looks risky, the interior is very positive. The creative team of the brand did not want to risk, as this model is aimed at conservative families, although dynamic in their way of life. Therefore, the lines that shape your dashboard are modern and very current. In addition, it hides a multitude of holes for carrying objects, such as those located under the "Bridge Console".
 

It stands out for the inclusion of a 9 or 10-inch central touch screen and connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa. The instrument panel also receives another display, although in this case 7 inches. In it, the driver can check the operation of the hybrid system and the state of charge of the batteries. The steering wheel is similar to the one mounted on the Highlander as well as the format of the secondary controls.
 

At the equipment level, the Toyota Sienna marks a turning point with three levels: XLE, Limited and Platinum. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system will be standard, which, among others, includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and start or lane departure warning with steering assistance. Road marking assistance and automatic changing of low and high beams will also be standard.
 

Hybrid mechanical offer: house brand

How could it be otherwise, the new Sienna is powered by a hybrid powertrain. It uses a 2.5-liter Atikinson block with two, or three, electric motors. This configuration is similar to that of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid although the performance is 181 kW (246 hp). The force reaches the ground through the front axle (two electric motors) or all four wheels (three electric motors) and is managed by the e-CVT transmission.
 

To manage the energy of the system, the Sienna has a selector for driving modes. It has four options: EV, Normal, Eco and Sport, prioritizing the delivery of battery power based on demand. This is possible thanks to the fact that it uses the modern and efficient TNGA platform in declination K. For now, the mechanical offer is limited to this option, although new versions may come later.