Now in its fourth generation, the Toyota Sienna is getting a radical rethink. With a new platform and sharper styling with crisp front and rear fascia that wear standard LED lighting, it is a looker, and the XSE model puts a sporty spin on things. You’ll also find some interesting add-ons and the big news — out goes the V6 engine, in comes Toyota’s Hybrid System II as the standard and sole powertrain.
While some will lament the loss of the V6, the fact is most will be hard pressed to notice the difference under most driving conditions. The hybrid system, which is the same as the one used in the 2020 Highlander, uses a 2.5L four-cylinder and two or three electric motors. The front-drive versions have two electric motors — one assists the drive with both being used to harvest otherwise wasted energy and keep the 1.8 kilowatt/hour battery topped up. As the battery sits beneath the front seats it does not impinge on Sienna’s space or flexibility.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) models get the same powertrain up front along with a third electric motor. It powers the rear wheels to deliver on-demand AWD when it’s needed. The system is available on all models and standard on the range-topping Platinum.
The hybrid system, regardless of whether front- or all-wheel-drive, produces a net system output of 243 horsepower when the electric motor and 186-hp gas engine are working together. Remarkably, the hybrid delivers a tow capacity of 1,588 kilograms, so the loss of the V6 will have less impact.
While the Sienna presentation was a static display, driving the 2020 Highlander with the same AWD hybrid powertrain for the previous week proved it to be up to snuff when purring about town or out cruising the highway. The early entry of the electric torque gave the Highlander a surprisingly crisp launch off the line and a sustained mid-range. If more urgency is needed, Highlander’s Sport mode not only sharpened the response to input but also saw the continuously variable transmission shift more like a regular automatic under hard acceleration.
The Sienna has the same Sport mode to go along with Eco, Normal and EV modes. In the Highlander’s case, there was a minor fuel economy penalty for using Sport mode and the same will be true of doing so with Sienna. However, with the Sienna getting an expected combined average fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km, the increase is not going to be an issue.
The reworked cabin mirrors the exterior styling in that it is much sharper. Accessing the seating is now easier with the both power sliding side doors and tailgate being available with hands-free opening — wave a foot at the designated point and the portal glides open. Once inside, the horizontal dash layout gives the infotainment’s smart nine-inch screen the pride of place. It works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models come with heated front seats and steering wheel along with all the desirable power options and a tri-zone climate control system. Other niceties include seven USB ports and up to 18 cupholders.
Move up through the model range and the level of equipment rises — the top Platinum features everything including a 10-inch colour head-up display that shows speed, navigation and hybrid system status.
The centre console has been completely rethought. Between the front seats sits a bridge-like structure that leaves a large storage area beneath it. At the back end of the console there is an available cooler box and vacuum cleaner. The cooler box has both fridge and freezer functions and enough space for six cans of one’s favourite beverage. Other interesting options include a JBL sound system with 12 speakers and a 1,200-watt amp, a large high-definition screen for the rear entertainment system and a 110-volt outlet. Unlike many, which only support light use, the Sienna’s outlet is rated at 1,500 watts, which is enough to support most camping plugins.
As for the rest of the cabin, the available second-row captain-chair seat runners have been extended — if the third row is not occupied sliding the middle row fully rearward opens up more legroom than you’ll find in a limo. The third row is readily accessed and large enough to accommodate two adults for a short jaunt. When the third row is upright there is a large well in the trunk area, which improves the space — four sets of golf clubs standing upright should easily fit into the space. The third row folds down into the well when not needed and opens up a flat floor. If more space is needed, the optional captain seats slide forward and collapse up against the back of the front seats. While Toyota did not give any cargo numbers, they will be generous when released.
Finally, kudos to Toyota for making a full suite of safety technology standard on all models. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert sits alongside Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 with automatic emergency braking. The latter includes everything from adaptive cruise control to auto high beams.
Copyright PostMedia Network, 2020
