The All-New 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Combines Efficiency With Capability And AWD

• All 2021 Sienna models will be hybrids.

• AWD will be available on all trims.

• It wants to be an SUV but it’s better than that, it’s a minivan!

You’re probably not as excited as we are about a new minivan but, as we’ve said in the past, there’s no better utility vehicle than a minivan. For the 4^th generation of the Sienna, Toyota’s pulled out all the stops by offering it with a hybrid-only powertrain, with all the safety features and, of much interest for Canadian minivan buyers, optional AWD for every trim.

There are fewer than a handful of minivans left on the market which is overrun by SUVs. Despite this fact, we can safely say that the latest batch is the best-ever. With little doubt, the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna has taken the top spot thanks to its incredible list of features, its technology, and immense efficiency.

The new Sienna sits on Toyota’s TNGA-K Platform, the same that underpins the new Highlander. Like the latter, the Sienna’s hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a pair of electric motors. Known as the Toyota Hybrid System II, total output is rated at 243-horsepower and, most impressively, delivers a manufacturer-estimated 7.1 L/100km combined fuel consumption.

The optional AWD system is Toyota’s electronic on-demand AWD. The rear wheels are driven by a separate independent electric motor. Depending on driving conditions and driver demand, torque distribution varies 20:80 (FR: RR) on slippery surfaces and up to 100:0 in constant-speed or normal-load driving.

In Canada, the Sienna will be offered in LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum grades. Standard for all features include front heated seats and steering wheel, power sliding side doors, second-row sunshades, a 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7 USB ports, and loads more.

Obviously, the Sienna is extremely spacious. One element that will further “celebrate the interior spaciousness” is the available Super Long Slide 2nd-row captain chairs which can slide 25 inches (60 cm) for maximum comfort and flexibility. For royal levels of comfort, the Limited and Platinum FWD models 2nd-row seats are equipped with ottomans.

All 2021 Toyota Sienna trims will include Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) which features Pre-Collision System, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Trace Assist and more.

Physically, the new Sienna looks like a cross between the previous Sienna and the new Highlander. The front end is bold and tall with a bulging bonnet. From the sides, you can almost see the inner-SUV wanting to punch through from the flared rear fenders which end in Toyota Prius-like creases in the rear – this is a distinctly-style minivan!

I think you’ll agree that the new 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid ticks all the right boxes. The one remaining detail is the price. Historically, the Sienna has not been the most affordable minivan. We’ll find out more about pricing later this year.