Should You Buy a 2021 Toyota Sienna?

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• Pricing for the Sienna starts at $39,900 in Canada, $34,460 in the US.

• The tested Sienna was a Limited AWD which retails for $58,190.

• The Sienna is the most efficient minivan on the market today.

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Some facts are impossible to ignore. For example, water is wet and pizza is the single greatest food ever, capable of containing all four food groups in one delicious meal. The 2021 Toyota Sienna is a fantastic minivan but like a Hawaiian pizza, there’s something about it that might be a little off for some.

What everyone needs to remember is that, and I’ve said this before, no vehicle in the world is capable of out-performing a minivan when it comes to family living. This has always been the case and because families bought them in droves in the 1990s and early 2000s, they became uncool, much like station wagons before them.

There is a trend of sorts on the horizon, at least in my opinion, where body styles that fell out favour in the last three decades will make a comeback. The advent of electrification, requiring an open mind for me, has become an opportunity for some automakers to revisit minivans and wagons. Toyota’s been loyal to the minivan and its fans for decades and has just released their best people-mover ever.

There remain only a handful of entries in the minivan segment. Even so, it could be difficult to pick one as all have recently been updated too. Should the Sienna be at the top of your shopping list? Certainly. Should it be your next purchase? Read on:

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Why you should buy a 2021 Toyota Sienna:

• The Sienna’s standard 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive produces a healthy 245 horsepower.

• The Sienna can tow up to 3,500 lb, on par with some V6 competitors.

• An AWD version is optional on all trims and consists of an electric motor on the rear axle. It does not increase system output however its extra torque is evident.

• The AWD system brilliantly manages traction in almost all situations.

• Depending on driving conditions and demand, it is possible to average under 7L/100km. In winter and typically loaded, I managed 7.5L/100km.

• The cabin is excessively roomy, no matter the configuration or trim.

• Power rear sliding doors are standard, as is a heated steering wheel and front seats.

• 7-passenger iterations include 2nd-row long slide Captain seats – a feature you never knew you needed.

• The new Sienna is assembled on Toyota’s global platform which enables a comfortable ride that will not shy away from corners and curves.

• The Sienna’s styling is a cross between the Highlander and the Supra (true story) and looks great.

• It’s got 16 cup holders, an incredible array of storage solutions, and, behind the 2^nd row of seats, can hold up to 2,129 litres of stuff.

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Why you should not buy a 2021 Toyota Sienna:

• The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) tends to hold engine speeds for a long time, creating an annoying drone. The only way to counter this is by setting the drive mode to ECO.

• That’s it.

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Conclusion:

When minivans come up in a discussion, because it does happen once in a while, the topic of pricing inevitably takes centre stage. It is true that minivans are no longer the affordable family vehicles they once were. Be that as it may, the Sienna is far more value-packed than expected.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna LE AWD, the least-expensive AWD version, is priced from $41,990, or nearly $1,000 less than a base FWD 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-RES. The most affordable 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD starts at $50,665 while a FWD 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan is priced from $39,990, before considerable and typical incentives. The 2021 Kia Sedona is the bargain in the segment priced from $32,295.

When considering the Sienna’s efficiency, AWD abilities, design, and features, arguments against it are essentially futile. The competitors are still powered by V6 engines which provide sharper accelerations but even I’ve come to terms with the fact that staying away from petrol stations is what really counts.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is the minivan to beat.