To redefine the segment, the fourth-generation Toyota Sienna reimagines the minivan to support a more comprehensive array of life stages and activities. With a standard hybrid powertrain across all trims and various new tech and amenities, Atkins Kroll introduces the 2021 Toyota Sienna, which raises the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility, and fuel efficiency in its segment. "This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform," said Toyota sales manager Jesse Quenga.
Hybrid Done Right
The 2021 Sienna driver might not even notice the new model's most significant engineering advance: the hybrid powertrain. That's the point. The Toyota Hybrid System II delivers 245 total horsepower and an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG fuel economy, the latter setting a benchmark for the segment, all while operating seamlessly and transparently.
The Sienna driver will feel the ultra-smooth acceleration and hear very little noise. What is noticeable is the kick in low-speed torque from two electric motors working in concert with the high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine.
Critically, the Sienna has no plug. There is no need ever to recharge the hybrid battery pack, and certainly no need to spend a couple of thousand dollars installing a battery charger in a garage. The Toyota Hybrid System II charges the hybrid battery automatically as the vehicle drives.
Electronic On-demand All Wheel Drive
Sienna has long offered optional all-wheel drive, and the 2021 model is no exception. The 2021 Sienna is the only vehicle in its segment that combines a hybrid powertrain with AWD, and the system is available on all model grades for an attractive price.
Sienna uses a new kind of AWD called Electronic on-demand AWD. Instead of a heavy AWD transfer case and space-robbing driveshaft to the rear wheels, this AWD system uses a separate independent electric motor to power the back wheels. The instant additional traction is needed and at all vehicle speeds.
Like the hybrid system, the Hybrid AWD system works seamlessly and transparently. During off-the-line starts, Hybrid AWD pre-emptively sends up to 80 percent of driving force to the rear wheels to help prevent front-wheel slip. The Hybrid AWD system also enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer, giving the Sienna a more confident handling feel.
Designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S., the all-hybrid 2021 Sienna, influenced by the bold and robust character of SUVs, hosts many premium features: kick-open and closed sliding side doors and rear gate, four-zone climate control system, heated second-row super-long slide captain's chairs with ottomans, power tilt and telescoping steering column, a digital rear-view mirror, 10-in. color head-up display and 12-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna is also ready for life's outdoor adventures with its all-wheel-drive option – and is well-positioned for Yakima® accessories, such as a rooftop carrier, crossbars, bike rack, and more. The Sienna will also offer an available tow hitch and factory optional 1,500-watt inverter with a 120V AC outlet to power camping equipment.
What's more, all versions of the 2021 Sienna are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. That's enough to pull a well-equipped compact travel trailer or carry your bikes for that weekend long ride.
Sienna: All-New from the Foundation Up
The fourth-gen Sienna delivers a combination of room, comfort, convenience, fuel efficiency, and versatility. Starting with an all-new minivan structure based on the TNGA-K Platform, the goal was to optimize everything great about minivan function while wrapping it into a bold, sexy, and provocative design, expanding its definition of what a next-generation minivan should be.
This bold and innovative approach enabled the design team to create solid and robust proportions with a shoulder-themed body design and muscular wheel flares that express athleticism. The body surface is boldly sculpted, a fresh departure from the typical, boxy minivan driving on the roads today.
The iconic Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train inspired its front end to appear sleek, speedy, and confident. The headlights are mounted high and stretched around to the sides as if the wind is shaping them. The bold lower grille combined with slim, high-tech LED fog lights pushed the corners, enhancing the wide and stable stance.
In the spirit of optimizing interior roominess while avoiding a boxy design, the rear cabin features a speedy pillar that is dynamically angled forward. The taillight flows seamlessly from the sculpted body to the rear, using thin LED lighting bands to create a significant impression. There is an integrated black taillight that looks not only cool but also improves aerodynamic performance. The crisp, deeply sculpted tailgate with an integrated spoiler is made possible by a molded resin process.
Bold Design Meets Spacious Interior
Learning from today's minivan customers that they do not want to feel like they are driving a bus, the design team took this to heart and thought carefully about combining the practical attributes of a minivan with the emotional desire for having a more personalized driving experience.
The design team created a modern instrument panel of bold, horizontal layers to express a wide and spacious interior, with a large center touch display, handy storage capability. The innovative Bridge Console, which is the key to allocating personalized space to the driver and front passenger, highlights Sienna's new cabin features.
There are intelligent solutions and first-class comfort throughout the interior to make this the most sophisticated, versatile, and enjoyable Sienna ever.
Safety
In addition to superior collision protection provided by the TNGA-K Platform, the 2021 Sienna comes standard with second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), a comprehensive active safety system that includes: pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure alert with steering assist; lane trace assist; automatic high beams; and road and sign assist. (Press release)
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