Come next month the 2021 Toyota Sienna would begin to hit dealerships worldwide.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna has been described as the latest minivan in town. From August 1997 till date when Toyota Motor Manufacturing has been churning out the minivan models, each year has come with new features for the auto enthusiasts’ delight.
- Lagos-Ibadan rail: FG to build overhead, ground route
- Banks, others shut in Lagos as equities gain N60bn
The redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna has been described as an impressive machine thanks to its fresh features, luxury touches and class-slaying fuel economy.
The 2021 Sienna minivan is now based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform and is closely related to the Japanese automaker’s Highlander SUV.
From the instrument panel forward, it is very similar, though things get substantially different. This new and very safe foundation helped company engineers push the floor around 1.5 inches lower compared to the outgoing Sienna, which makes for easier entry and exit. Extended-length grab handles aid in this area as well.
The Sienna’s looks are certainly controversial, but by contrast, nearly everyone will appreciate this minivan’s interior. There are interesting materials inside, and the overall design is highly functional, with plenty of storage space and some other astonishing features.
The Sienna’s new bridge-like center console, which extends between the front seats is one of the interesting features in the cabin. There’s a large bin underneath and a large cubby on the dashboard, a change made possible in part by a new gear selector.
Hybrid only
Toyota engineers have ditched the outgoing Sienna’s V6. In its place is a familiar hybrid powertrain, one built around a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
With a small battery pack mounted under the front seats and a couple of motor-generators functioning that do double-duty as a continuously variable transmission, this combination delivers a respectable 243 horsepower.
This Toyota is expected to average around 33 miles per gallon in mixed driving, significantly more than its conventionally powered rivals and even a few mpg better than the plug-in hybrid Pacifica. The model also features an EV mode that allows you to drive very short distances purely on electricity. For added peace of mind, all of the Sienna’s hybrid-related components, including the battery pack, are covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.
All-wheel drive is on the menu
For extra confidence in challenging conditions, the 2021 Toyota Sienna comes with all-wheel drive. In fact, it’s available across the board on every grade. Unlike more traditional systems, this one is electric and on demand.
Also, a separate motor powers the rear wheels as needed, and while taking off from a stop, this power source can send up to 80% of its driving force to those rear tires.
Sienna offers a 1,500-watt power inverter
Aside from added efficiency and the ability to drive short distances on electricity, another feature the Sienna’s hybrid drivetrain enables is a potent power inverter. With 1,500 watts of juice, this van’s 120-volt plugs allow you to run a coffee pot, a small refrigerator or even an electric saw to cut some lumber you just picked up from your local big-box store.
First-class seating
It has come incredibly with unparalleled comfort. The Sienna’s available Super Long Slide second-row captain’s chairs adjust fore and aft by a whopping 25 inches. The second-row seats in lesser models still slide an impressive 15 inches. This adjustability gives passengers vast amounts of legroom, but that’s not all. Those chairs are also heated and come with integrated ottomans that pop up and slide out. Sadly, ventilation isn’t available, but you still won’t find more seating comfort in a vehicle this side of a Boeing
777’s business-class cabin.
Plenty head room, leg room
The Sienna’s third-row seat is comfortable, too. At 6- feet tall, I fit very well back there, with plenty of head and leg rooms, plus the lower cushion is at a favorable height above the floor.
Mini freezer
Aside from those super-comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, the Sienna’s available refrigerator/freezer is another thing that should help make it an exemplary family road-trip machine. This insulated bin at the back of the center console is large enough to accommodate six half-liter water bottles. Of course, it’s also the perfect place to stash a pile of any time meant to be frozen.
To help keep life’s messes in check, the new Sienna offers an integrated vacuum cleaner. Unlike other rivals that have offered similar features, Toyota engineers have mounted the Sienna’s vacuum underneath the console.
The redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna is scheduled to begin arriving at dealerships in November.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
