Our test vehicle for this report was the 2021 Platinum front-drive model (base price $50,000 plus $1,215 freight). For 2022, the price is $150 more for the front-drive Platinum ($50,150), while the all-wheel-drive version is $50,910.
Other trim levels and their prices for 2022 are: base LE, front-drive, eight-passenger ($34,710); LE AWD, eight-passenger ($36,710); XLE FWD, seven- or eight-passenger ($40,000); XLE AWD, seven-passenger ($42,000); new-for-2022 XLE Woodland Edition AWD, seven-passenger ($45,500); XSE FWD, seven-passenger ($42,250); XSE AWD, seven-passenger ($43,010); Limited FWD, seven-passenger ($46,950); and Limited AWD, seven-passenger ($48,950).
The new exterior design isn’t radically different from the last generation’s, which is fine, as the previous model looked great. The changes to the Sienna overall are better described as upgrades and enhancements.
Standard features across the lineup includethe Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of high-tech safety gear, such as automatic emergency braking; blind-spot monitoring; and a two rating of up to 3,500 pounds.
Toyota says it’s “Aiming to redefine the [minivan] segment” as the new Sienna is designed to “support a wider array of life stages and activities.” The new Sienna was designed and engineered in the United States, and it’s also assembled here.
Among the premium features included on our tester were the kick-open and close sliding side doors and rear gate, four-zone climate control, heated second-row super-long slide captain’s chairs with ottomans, power tilt/telescopic steering column with heated steering wheel, optional digital rear-view mirror, 10-inch color head-up display, and 12-speaker JBL premium audio system with center-top-dash nine-inch touch screen.
The new front-end design was “inspired by the iconic Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train,” giving it a sleeker appearance, Toyota said. The headlights are mounted high and stretched around to the sides, and there is a new, bolder lower grille, along with slim, high tech LED fog lights at the corners. At the rear there is a sculpted tailgate with an integrated spoiler.
Toyota says the “ultra-sporty” XSE model has the best look, with its dark 20-inch, split five-spoke wheels and aggressive front and rear bumpers.
Inside, there is a “modern instrument panel” with a large center touch display, lots of storage space, and the “Bridge Console,” which Toyota said “is the key to allocating personalized space to the driver and front passenger.”
It connects the instrument panel to the center armrest. It makes the shifter and other controls within easy reach, and includes cupholders, available wireless charger, and storage bins for smaller items.
Underneath the “bridge” is a large open storage area for items such as a purse or bag.
New (and included in our tester) are the “Super Long Slide” second-row captain chairs, which can slide up to 25 inches front to back, giving limousine-like legroom to the two middle passenger positions. Limited and Platinum FWD models such as ours have the middle-row Ottoman chairs.
The Toyota Safety Sense system brings the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection/Lowlight Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Trace Assist, automatic high beams, and Road Sign Assist.
There are 10 air bags, including driver and front passenger; driver’s knee bag; passenger seat cushion bag; front-seat side air bags; rear-outboard-seat side bags; and side-curtain air bags for all three rows.
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Also included is Toyota’s Star Safety System, which brings Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.
The new Sienna also comes with rear passenger seatbelt reminder and an electric parking brake, along with a rear occupant-detection system that warns the driver to check the rear seat for passengers and cargo when exiting the vehicle.
There are four selectable driving modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. Sequential shifting allows the driver to “downshift” the CVT, which increases regenerative braking output.
Our Platinum FWD model came with Rear Seat Entertainment System ($1,415); Digital Rearview Mirror ($200); and 1,500-watt, 120-volt AC power inverter ($300), with two outlets.
The Platinum model gets 20-inch wheels and a power tilt/slide moon roof.
Even with our Sienna loaded with four passengers and lots of cargo, we had plenty of power from hybrid system, with noticeable extra torque on startup from the electric motor.
The tester came in the Silver Metallic exterior color, with leather/power-adjustable/heated-ventilated front seats.
Inside, the Limited Premium has leather front bucket seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the front passenger.
The third row includes split-folding seatbacks that make it easy to expand the cargo compartment if the seat isn’t needed for passengers.
All four of our passengers, including the driver, had comfortable seats with plenty of knee, shoulder, head and legroom. The overall ride was cushy and never harsh.
There are lots of storage bins, trays and cupholders in all three rows to help keep gadgets plugged in and organized.
Total sticker price for our 2021 Sienna Platinum FWD model was $53,130, including freight and options.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3.
2021-22 Toyota Sienna minivan
The package: Five-door, seven- or eight-passenger, rear- or all-wheel-drive, gasoline-electric hybrid-powered minivan.
Highlights: Toyota’s popular minivan has been completely restyled and given a hybrid drive system, beginning with the 2021 model year. It’s loaded with safety, infotainment and comfort features to make it the ultimate family cruising vehicle.
Engine/motor: 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder; electric drive motor.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic.
Power/torque: 245 total horsepower; gasoline engine alone, 189 HP./176 foot-pounds.
Length: 203.7 inches, except Woodland model, 204.1 inches.
Curb weight range: 4,610-4,725 pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side curtain for all three rows.
Cargo capacity: 33.5 cubic feet (behind third row); 75.2 cubic feet (behind second row); 101 cubic feet (with second and third rows folded down).
EPA fuel economy: 36 mpg city/36 highway/36 combined (2WD); 35/36/35 (all-wheel drive).
Fuel capacity/type: 18 gallons/unleaded regular.
Major competitors: Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona.
Base price range (2022): $34,710-$50,910, plus $1,215 freight.
Price as tested: $53,130, including freight and options (2021 Platinum front-wheel drive).
On the Road rating: 9.1 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.
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