The 2021 Toyota Sienna has yet to go on sale, yet it is already winning plaudits. The somewhat frumpy exterior has been replaced by a nice sleek shape giving Toyota’s minivan a crisp new look. Compared to the Toyota Venza Doug DeMuro recently reviewed, its a world away. Inspiration has come from the 2020 Highlander, and the car is already scooping up awards despite not yet going on sale. Let's give it a look.
A Prestigious Award
Altair Engineering has already presented Toyota with the Motor North America “Enlighten” award. This award recognizes the work Toyota has achieved, in the use of light-weight front row seats. This was all thanks to a team lead by Toyota Senior Principal Engineer for Body Design, Todd Much.
There are several benefits to reducing the mass weight of the seats, specifically the seatbacks. This has saved weight overall in the car, allowing for more fuel economy and just a lighter car in general, with the potential to use that weight saved to add in extra features with the car. One thing that has been added to the Sienna thanks to this reduction in weight is the built-in refrigerator. This of course will allow passengers to keep nice and cool throughout their journey, with their drinks nicely chilled throughout.
About The Sienna
The Sienna itself is a minivan, that unlike previous generations of the car comes with a hybrid power-unit, and is exclusively hybrid. Some have said that for a minivan, it boasts rather wild looks. The power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and then a pair of electric motors that combine to make 243 horsepower, as well as all-wheel-drive which adds a third electric motor in the back of the Sienna. The Sienna should also achieve a solid 33mpg, which is 3mpg more than the car's biggest and closest rival, that of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Source: Toyota