Toyota Sienna – Auto Immigration Service

As in Europe, the space car in North America is heavily affected by the SUV. After all, it was invented there and can certainly serve well for (large) family transport with three rows of seats. Yet there is still a market for the ‘minivan’, as the passenger van is called there, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. That explains why Toyota presented an all-new Sienna in 2020. This model was developed for North America and is also being built there (Indiana). Like many other Asian cars, the Sienna is therefore primarily an American product, although the previous generation of this model was briefly delivered in Switzerland. The new one also runs off the line in China for the first time.

Toyota Sienna has been around since 1997

The Toyota Sienna first appeared in 1997. It was then the North American successor to the first Previa. Unlike ours, the second generation of that idiosyncratic model was never delivered. The difference between the European and American range is perhaps the greatest in the minivan area. That is quite logical, because things like fuel consumption, weight and parking space are just that little bit more important in Europe. Without those restrictions you can easily make a space car as big and comfortable as possible and that is exactly what has happened with many American minivans.

Longer than a Ford Galaxy

The Sienna is also quite the size. For example, with a length of 5.17 meters, it is 33 centimeters longer than the Ford Galaxy, one of the last large MPVs on our price list. The car also looks large and with its remarkably flat, but high bonnet and high-placed headlights, it looks quite tough. Another nice illustration of its size: the wheels of the tested car are 18 inches in size, but look quite small. The bodywork full of sharp corners and creases distinguishes it from the previous Sienna, which was a bit rounder and calmer in lines. Under the skin, almost everything is different compared to that car.

2.5 Hybrid from Toyota RAV4 and Lexus ES

Previously, the Sienna was almost always powered by a V6, but now a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the only option available. We also know this powertrain well in Europe, because it is used in the Lexus ES and the Toyota RAV4, among others. As in the Toyota Highlander, the Sienna is the version with 248 hp. That is sufficient, but in combination with a car weight of about 2,100 kilos it does not immediately feel excessive. This is mainly because the engine is quite loud at full load, more so than in the RAV4 and Lexus ES mentioned. It is therefore more pleasant to take it easy, something that fortunately fits perfectly with this large, friendly space giant. Consumption will then actually remain within limits. Toyota gives the equivalent of 1 in 15 in the US and we have no doubt that that is possible. Good looking!

Sienna smaller than he is

Just like the outside, the interior of the Sienna looks nice and modern and it is neatly finished. However, the infotainment system is a bit out of place, because it is of a somewhat outdated type. Where many space cars have an enormously deep dashboard, the windscreen is relatively close here. Together with the high, seemingly floating center tunnel and nicely placed controls, this makes the car feel remarkably compact here, almost like a RAV4. His driving behavior is consistent with that image. The Sienna also shares its TNGA platform with the mentioned smaller models and drives as we are used to: excellent. Suspension and damping are neatly balanced and offer a lot of comfort, while the car does not feel floaty. The steering is nicely balanced and quite communicative, so that the car can be positioned surprisingly precisely. Only a glance in the rear-view mirror reminds you that you are on the road with a watt of a car.

Even as an eight-seater

Depending on the version, the Sienna offers seven or eight seats, in a 2-2-3 or 2-3-3 configuration. So three seats in the back. That is unusual in Europe, but actually very pleasant; small children can crawl back into the seven-seater without the middle row having to fold forward first, while this rear layout also makes it feel less claustrophobic. In terms of width, the rear sofa for three people is not enough, but otherwise it is surprisingly spacious here. The sofa can almost literally be folded into the floor with a simple twist of the hand. The middle seats are not, but they are extensively slidable. Even behind the rear row of seats, traditionally a tricky point with seven-seaters, there is still an impressive amount of luggage space available.

Sienna is allowed to tow 1,600 kilos

Isn’t it enough? Don’t worry, because the Sienna can also hook up a trailer of 1,600 kilos. The practical ease of use does not stop with space, but also manifests itself in all kinds of handy features. The amount of compartments and trays seems endless and the car has no less than eighteen (!) cup holders. In more luxurious versions, each side window in the back gets its own sunshade, while rear passengers also enjoy their own climate control, numerous USB connections, their own (video) screen and, in the top version, even a refrigerator and – yes – a built-in vacuum cleaner. The enormous sliding doors of course open electrically and can also be operated from the front seats or with a kicking movement under the sill. These are all things that we would normally never miss, but which are very useful in everyday family practice. No wonder, then, that quite a few of these American space giants appear on European roads via gray imports. That is a pleasure that is reserved for a select group, because such a Sienna is not a bargain here. While you can already buy it in the US for $ 35,000, Dutch buyers should take into account a minimum of 70,000 euros. A more luxurious version quickly runs towards 85 mille. A lot of money, but for a lot of car.