Redesigned Toyota Sienna Goes Hybrid-only for 2021
Not to be outdone by the Chrysler Pacifica, which is getting a lot of attention in the minivan segment now with its plug-in hybrid variant and new-for-2021 all-wheel drive option (the latter is not available with the former, mind you), the refreshed and upgraded Toyota Sienna made its debut today during a virtual presentation of new Toyota products that also included the 2021 Venza.
Similar to the crossover, the Sienna will now be offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, namely a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with two electric motors. It produces 243 total horsepower and is projected to average 7.1 L/100 km, whereas the current Sienna boasts a 296-horsepower V6 and burns more than 11 L/100 km. Towing capacity is still rated at 3,500 pounds.
Identical to the Venza’s, the all-wheel drive system is available on all trim levels of the minivan, while most of the equipment has a lot of similarities such as standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
One notable addition is the new Platinum high-end model, which features an 11.6-inch centre touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker JBL sound system, four-zone climate control, an onboard vacuum and refrigerator, and captain’s chairs with ottomans in the second row.
As for styling, the new Sienna sure looks more aggressive. The front design is actually inspired by the iconic Shinkansen Japanese bullet trains.
More and More Hybrids
The all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna and Venza are part of the automaker’s plan to launch 40 new or updated electrified vehicles by 2025.
Recently, Toyota crossed a symbolic milestone of 15 million hybrid vehicles sold globally since 1997 including more than 200,000 in Canada over the past 20 years.
By the way, the new powertrain warranty covers all hybrid-related components for 8 years/160,000 kilometres and the battery for 10 years/240,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.