- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr Ar
Toyota Sienna. Successful minivan
The Toyota Sienna is a full-size three row minivan manufactured by Toyota for North America (USA, Canada), Mexico and some countries in East Asia. Since the beginning of 2021, it is also available in Taiwan. The minivan, named after the Italian city of Siena in the Tuscany region, has replaced the rear-wheel drive Previa model. The vehicle is based on the upgraded platform of the very popular Camry, which certainly played into the hands, as the Sienna is still considered one of the most successful Toyota minivans. Until 2003, the vehicle was smaller than its competitors (length - 4.84 m, wheelbase - 2.9 m), then it became larger. The current fourth generation vehicle is not officially available in Israel.
When GM's all-wheel-drive minivans retired in 2006, the Toyota Sienna was for a long time (until 2020) the only minivan in its class to be offered with all-wheel drive (this included the North American market). And just today, the Toyota model was joined by the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica with the all-wheel drive option.
First generation
The first Sienna entered the market in 1997 with a 3-liter V6 engine (1MZ-FE with 194 hp). The manufacturer proudly positioned the new product as the ‘Camry among minivans’. There were three trim levels, with the top-end ones offering two luxurious seats in the second row. The seats folded easily and, if necessary, could be removed one at a time. There were leather seats and a wood trim package, and most importantly, the vehicle showed the best fuel consumption in its class: 15 l/100 km in the city or 11 l/100 km on the highway.
To keep up with its rival Honda Odyssey, the Toyota Sienna was restyled in 2000, acquiring a redesigned exterior and modernized engine. The engine received a VVT-i variable valve timing system, which raised its power to 210 hp. This generation was distinguished by a high level of safety (side airbags and a vehicle stability control system were optional). Anti-lock braking system was standard equipment.
Second generation
Yuji Yokoya was the chief engineer for the second generation. He, accompanied by his family members, drove the first Sienna about 85,000 km across North America to find design weaknesses. As a result, the engineer and his team presented the new Sienna at the 2003 North American Motor Show. The second Sienna received an updated 3.3-liter V6 3MZ-FE engine, paired with a new 5-speed automatic transmission. The gear lever was moved from the steering column to the center console. The third row seats could be folded, which allowed the owner to transport building materials of a standard size (plywood, drywall).
The vehicle was produced in 4 trim levels, all of which were well-equipped. The entry-level versions included remote keyless entry, a reach-adjustable steering wheel and glass with a high degree of absorption of solar energy (windshield and front). An all-wheel drive system and puncture-resistant run-flat tires were optional. The all-wheel drive system continuously divided engine power 50:50 to the front and rear wheels. Depending on the trim level, the list of options included HID xenon headlights, dynamic laser cruise control, parking sensors, a rearview camera, a 10-speaker JBL sound system, and a DVD rear infotainment system with two 110V outlets, as well as all existing security systems. The vehicle was modernized several times. Thus, in 2007, the old engine was replaced with a new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 unit with an output of 266 hp.
Third generation
It was released early December 2009. The third Sienna was developed by Japanese and American employees of Toyota Motor Corporation. The new model was introduced in February 2010, and in November 2011, it started being exported to South Korea, which made the Toyota Sienna the first Toyota minivan to be sold in this country. The model received 5 trim levels, including a sporty SE with 19-inch wheels, a stiffer suspension and other steering settings. The minivan featured both the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE (paired with a 6-speed gearbox) and the 1AR-FE 4-cylinder engine (for the first time). There was an electric power steering. The minivan was fuel-efficient, consuming 12.4 l/100 km in the city and 9.8 l/100 km on the highway for modifications with a 4-cylinder engine, or 13.1 l/100 km in the city and 9.8 l / 100 km on the highway for front-wheel drive versions, 14.7 l/100 km and 10.7 l/100 km for all-wheel drive vehicles.
The Toyota Sienna won the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The minivan inherited from the Lexus LS a sliding second row with reclining ‘Lounge Seating’ style seats and a keyless Smart Key system with a start button. Moreover, the list of equipment included a panoramic reversing camera, Pre-Collision System (PCS), as well as automatic high beam dimmer, Safety Connect and a more advanced stability control system known as Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management. In 2014 and 2017, the vehicle was restyled and won the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Fourth generation
Introduced in May 2020, the new Toyota Sienna has acquired a hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter engine. This generation is also the first to be produced outside the USA, as production began in China in July 2021. And in 2021, the manufacturer introduced a Woodland Edition with standard all-wheel drive, raised suspension and a towing kit.
The 2021/2022 Toyota Sienna is offered in LE, XLE and Limited trim levels and in two special editions: the sport-focused XSE (replacing the SE) and the top-end Platinum. The first happy owners of the Sienna were able to enjoy the built-in vacuum cleaner and refrigerator, which were then removed due to problems with the supplier. The Platinum version has a head-up display and a 360° camera. A four-wheel drive system works with the help of an additional electric motor for the rear wheels.
The Sienna is equipped with 18 cup holders, 7 USB ports, four-zone climate control, built-in Wi-Fi and a driver intercom for better communication with rear passengers. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist systems.
