Specifications of Toyota Sienna IV 2.5 (245 HP) Hybrid AWD eCVT
General characteristics of Toyota Sienna IV 2.5 (245 HP) Hybrid AWD eCVT
The new Toyota Sienna is taller and wider yet lower than its predecessor. Key dimensions include a length of 203.7 inches, although the sportier XSE is a bit longer at 204.1 inches. All versions share a width of 78.5 inches, a 120.5-inch wheelbase, and a height that varies between 68.5 and 69.7 inches depending on whether roof rails are equipped. The 6.37 inches of ground clearance make the Sienna easy to get into and out of. In terms of curb weight, the FWD LE starts off at 4,610 pounds while the AWD Limited/Platinum trims weigh 4,725 lbs at the top of the order.
In an effort to chase greater efficiency, the 2021 Toyota Sienna is now exclusively powered by a hybrid powertrain. Most of the grunt comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque on its own, but the system's combined output stands at 245 hp. That falls short of the 296-hp output of the V6 used previously and acceleration consequently suffers. Based on independent tests, the Sienna minivan will take close to eight seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph, making it quite a bit slower than rivals like the Chrysler Pacifica. The continuously variable transmission can't do much to extract brisk performance from the Sienna. Fortunately, the standard FWD setup can be upgraded to an electronic on-demand AWD system, which adds a third electric motor that directs power to the rear wheels. This configuration helps to keep the vehicle's weight lower as an AWD transfer case and driveshaft aren't required. The brand new powertrain retains the same 3,500-pound towing capacity of last year's model, which matches the more powerful Honda Odyssey. If you must know, the Sienna's top speed works out to 116 mph.
The new Toyota Sienna employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 189 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Together with two electric motors generating 180 hp (and a third electric motor for AWD variants with 54 hp), total system output works out to 245 hp. An eCVT transmission with a sequential shift mode is the sole gearbox on offer. With the electric motors providing instant shove from low revs, the Sienna is a reasonable performer around town, while the nickel-metal hydride battery allows for EV-only driving for short distances and at lower speeds. It's only when more is asked of the powertrain that it lacks the conviction of the previous V6, such as when passing at higher speeds. When pushed, the four-pot comes across as quite coarse.
Unlike most other vehicles, the hybridized Sienna puts in strong economy numbers whether in the city or on the highway. EPA estimates work out to 36/36/36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD variants, while the AWD models aren't far behind with figures of 35/36/35 mpg. In our testing, we easily matched these numbers. That's a huge improvement over the outgoing Sienna, which managed a best of 19/26/21 mpg from its V6 engine. The latest available figures for the plug-in Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will see it manage 30 mpg or 82 MPGe. With an 18-gallon gas tank, the Toyota Sienna should be able to cover around 648 miles between visits to the pumps.
Depending on the trim, the 2021 Sienna offers seating for eight people with a bench seat in the second row, or, seating for seven with 2nd-row captain's chairs. We prefer the captain's chairs, as they offer better comfort and easier access to the 3rd row, but some owners might prefer to have the extra seat. For those who want outright luxury, however, upper trims get reclining second-row seats with an ottoman for ultimate relaxation. No matter how you configure the Sienna, rear passengers have plenty of space. The 2nd row offers a generous 39.9 inches of legroom and even the 3rd row feels spacious enough for adults with 38.7 inches. Headroom is generous as well in all three rows, exceeding 37.4 inches in the tightest spots at the back. Getting into the 3rd row is simple with the captain's chairs but we found the mechanism to slide the 2nd-row seats forward to be clunky and difficult to use with only one hand.
The base model comes with gray fabric seats, with no other options on offer at this level. Next is the XLE which introduces Softex upholstery in a choice of either Graphite or Chateau, while a leather-trimmed steering wheel is added too. On the XSE, there are sport-trimmed Softex seats in either Moonstone/Gray Flannel or Gray Flannel/Black. The Limited is the first trim to get leather upholstery in a choice of Graphite or Chateau, while the top-spec Platinum features leather upholstery in Noble Brown. The top two trims are the only ones with premium leather extending to the third row as well. The XSE comes with satin-grain-style accents while all other trims received wood-grain-style accents on areas like the center console.
SUVs may be all the rage these days, but the minivan remains unbeaten when it comes to carrying both passengers and luggage at the same time. Behind its 60/40-split third row, all Toyota Sienna models offer a useful 33.5 cubic feet of volume, a number that swells to 75.2 cubes when the third row is folded flat. With the second row folded as well, total cargo volume grows to 101 cubes. However, our Toyota Sienna review did reveal one shortcoming relative to other minivans: the second row of seats can't be removed. Toyota says this is because it would be dangerous to take out the 2nd row seats with the airbags attached and active. Still, there is plenty of space for lugging around the paraphernalia that comes with the average family. The power tailgate is welcome, although it does take its sweet time opening up and emits an annoyingly long beep when it's fully open.
Interior storage space is excellent. The fixed center console features four illuminated cupholders and a deep storage compartment, along with a pass-through at the bottom which is perfect for storing a handbag out of the way. There are two glove compartments, with the lower one being lockable, plus an overhead console for sunglasses storage. The door pockets are usefully sized and there are no less than 16 cupholders (we counted 18), including six in the second row and four in the third row.
