Now a Hybrid only Reviewed: 2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum
By William J. Jinkins
What's new:
A modern, comfortable and convenience -packed minivan with decent acceleration and impressive fuel economy that keeps itself relevant even as the tide has turned towards SUVs.
Pros
Comfortable leather appointments, 9-inch infotainment screen, its acceleration and overall maneuverability.
Hybrid powertrain provides excellent fuel economy
Roomy interior that's easy to get in and out of
Unobstructed views thanks to big windows and available surround-view camera
Available all-wheel drive
Cons:
Not much to comment here, except that retractable running boards would make it easier for those with mobility issues to step into the vehicle.
Minivans have come a long way where they’re no longer the darlings for soccer moms, but an excellent way for empty nesters to take to the road or handle a group of their kind to a fine restaurant, or even an excellent way to caring the grandkids to Wally World.
No longer considered a “Dragon Wagon” like our friends old ‘97 Plymouth Voyager (which inherited its name after the kids’ school), the Sienna in its fanciest tuxedo completes head-to-toe with the likes of the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, and now with Kia’s “think-outside-the-box” Carnival. However, it’s hard to believe the segment that Lee Iacocca developed would ever drop out of favor.
Toyota is proving its popular minivan is still relevant in the current climate with its all-new 2021 edition. Toyota reports 26,578 Siennas sold in the first quarter of 2021, more than double the 11,876 sold in Q1 2020.
The 4th-generation Sienna is built on a new platform and is notably a hybrid-only five trim lineup. It checks off the stylish, modern - and, yes, practical boxes and brings some surprises to the table too. Like its surprisingly almost car-like ride with decent enough acceleration, thanks to a new 2.5L four hybrid powertrain coupled with an available eAWD.
My top self-Platinum was trim in Celestial Silver Metallic showcased a sculpted, not boxy design. The beltline's curves are marked by two creases - the lower of which is more dominant, stretching up above the rear wheel arches. While the short front hood is still minivan-esque, its thin headlights and layered, front end give it a modern look. The Platinum features a dark gray metallic grille flanked by thin Bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, along with LED fog lights.
A blue hybrid Toyota logo is integrated into the hood above the grille. The Platinum AWD rides on attractive18-inch metallic wheels and sports black side rocker panels. Chrome accents add polish. The tail end sports a decidedly more SUV-like look to me, where you'll find stylish thin tail lamps on the tail end that wrap around the sides. On top, you'll see optional cross bars, a color-keyed shark fin antenna and a standard sized moonroof.
The cabin is well-designed and built using high-quality soft-touch materials. My tester sported an attractive two-tone Noble Brown leather interior. Soft -touch materials adorn a large, wide layered dash as well as the upper door panels and armrests. Wood-grain style trim and silver accents add contrast.
The Platinum AWD seats seven or eight with a middle bench seat. Its leather-trimmed front heated and ventilated seats feel great though the seat cushions could be a tad longer. The driver's is 8-way power adjustable; the passenger's is 4-way. The driver is greeted by a cushy, power tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering-wheel mounted controls.
An impressive, as well as functional "bridge console" area sits noticeably high and over a large passthrough storage area. Ergonomically, it works well with the height of the driver's seat. The "bridge" houses a leather-wrapped gear shifter, electronic parking brake, auto brake hold and drive mode select. A standard wireless charger is set back into the dash area. A nice-sized center console bin - surrounded by nicely padded armrests on both sides - opens easily with the push of a button to reveal storage space and two USB ports.
Comfort abounds in the second row as well where legroom is note an issue thanks to its 2nd-row heated super long slide captain's seats, which travels an amazing 25 inches.
An optional HD entertainment system will keep second- and third-row occupants occupied if they forget their own devices at home. Above the second row you'll also find rear climate controls.
The third row is roomy as you'd expect, though at the mercy of the second-row passengers, who dictate the space with the Super Long Slide seats. There are USB ports, cupholders, and A/C vents to keep 3rd-row passengers comfortable. The 3rd-row seats recline as well. The Platinum trim provides manual sunshades for both the 2nd and 3rd rows.
The Sienna gives you plenty of options for opening its power sliding side doors. By strategically placed buttons on the interior, upper console, keyfob and even an available kick sensor. The power liftgate is also available with a kick sensor. There's a deep cargo space area in the back, but no spare tire unless you option one. The 60/40 one-motion Split and Stow reclining 3rd row seat is easy to operate and with the 3rd-row seats down, you'll get 75.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
You also won't lack for cup and bottle holders in here- with up to 18 scattered throughout along with plenty of cubby holes for storing stuff. Even the front console has four, including a couple for large gulps.
Tech highlights include the premium 9-inch pinch and zoom dynamic navigation and infotainment touchscreen. It's not slanted like in some Toyota models (see my recent Prius review). It's more straight up and down, which makes a huge difference in sun glare. The system is responsive and supports quality maps.
Voice command is impressive too and works well changing stations and finding locations. Also, a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system earns a spot as one of my favorites in a Toyota vehicle - it sounds great in the space.
An available impressive 10-inch color head-up display with road sign assist is also worth a mention, as is Toyota's also optional digital rearview mirror with crystal clear clarity.
You'll also be connected in Sienna for sure, be it via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and Bluetooth. You also have 6 USB charging ports and 1 USB Media port.
Other technology in the Sienna includes a 7-inch driver digital display with driver info and powertrain information set in between analog dials that could use a bit more updating. I also think the resolution of the backup camera and Birds Eye View perimeter scan could be a bit sharper.
New for 2021 is a family friendly feature referred to as an Families App. It has instructions on how to install child car seats in the Sienna. Other family friendly features not already mentioned include Driver Easy Speak you can use to talk to rear seat passengers and Rear Seat Reminder.
The Sienna does a great job of making you feel like you're not driving a minivan. Overall, it provides a ride that's more engaging than you'd expect. And that's just what Toyota was after. It's not change-your-life "exciting" but it's not dull either. It offers quick off the line acceleration thanks to the torque afforded by the hybrid eAWD powertrain. It maneuvers surprisingly well with a great turning radius and the suspension offers a comfortable ride.
Toyota's hybrid system pairs a 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine with electric motors to an ECVT for a combined 245-horsepower. The Platinum comes with standard eAWD, with normal, eco, sport and EV drive modes (for low-speed, short distance situations.) Acceleration feels great, thanks to the hybrid powertrain paired with the eAWD which gives it the torque needed to provide great off the line acceleration.
The Sienna's braking and handling felt confident and on point. Notably, its regenerative braking is not noticeable like I experienced recently with the Prius.
The Sienna can tow 3,500 pounds and now offers an available tow hitch. A factory optional 1,500-watt inverter ($300) with 120V AC outlet can be used to power camping equipment.
The Sienna lineup comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 that includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist. The lineup also features standard with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Seat Reminder.
The options on my tester included the rear seat HD entertainment system with 11.6-inch display w/two wireless headphones ($1415), 1500-watt inverter ($300), digital rearview mirror ($200) carpet floor mats ($220), door sill protectors ($40), a rear bumper applique ($69), wireless headphones ($100) and cross bars ($200)
While there are a few things on my wish list, overall, I can see why it's popular and would make an excellent choice for families.
2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD
MSRP: Base price $50,460. As Equipped: $54,179
· Official color: Celestial Silver Metallic.
Fuel economy: 35 mpg city/36 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.
Odometer reading when tested: 1,005 miles (recorded 4/11.)
FWD, RWD or AWD: Electronic on demand AWD.
Spare tire: Tire Repair Kit. (A spare tire is optional).
Weight: 4,725 pounds.
Length-width-height: 203.7" long/78.5" wide/69.7" high without roof rails.
Fuel-tank capacity: 18 gallons with filler on the driver's side.
Towing capacity: 203.7" long/78.5" wide/69.7" high without roof rails.
Warranty: Three-year, 36,000-mile overall warranty and five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain protection.
Final assembly location: Princeton, Indiana.
Manufacturer's website: Toyota
Warranty Basic Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles; Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles/Corrosion Perforation: 60 months/unlimited miles; Hybrid System: 96 months/100,000 miles; Hybrid Battery: 120 months/150,000 miles.
What’s new for 2022
The 2022 Sienna Woodland Edition's all-wheel-drive setup is the same as what's optional for all Sienna trim levels. It features an additional electric motor for the rear axle to complement the hybrid drivetrain that uses a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine. The Woodland Edition's only mechanical change is an 0.6-inch suspension lift that makes for a total of 6.9 inches of ground clearance (that's 1.1 inch less than the Highlander SUV, for reference).
The Woodland Edition is also available in an exclusive color called Cement; Midnight Black is the only other option for this trim package. It also features different interior stitching and black badges. Various accessories that are otherwise optional come included with the Woodland model,
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