While there are not many people crazy about minivans, there are still favourite segments like the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey that continuously receive major updates. For 2021, Toyota gave the Sienna a sporty new look, a hybrid powertrain, and a ton of standard safety features.
However, in the pursuit of making the new Sienna appealing to a wider group of buyers, the brand has introduced an unexpected new flaw you should be aware of before purchasing.
About the 2021 Toyota Sienna
Given the Toyota Sienna’s status as a family vehicle, it is no surprise that the 2021 model includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, an updated suite of safety tech. We now get refined versions of the systems available in the 2020 model, such as the Pre Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert. The 2021 model comes with the inclusion of Lane Trace Assist and Road Sign Assist.
There’s new tech in the interior, now that the Sienna benefits from a larger infotainment screen. Included are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, like in most other Toyota models. The biggest improvement, however, is the interior layout. The previous-gen Sienna’s interior looked very cheap, largely due to the widespread use of hard plastics. The layout itself was also very van-like, which certainly didn’t scream luxury. Thankfully, the 2021 Sienna benefits from an SUV-like interior with better materials on offer.
The Standard 2021 Sienna Engine is Weaker Than That of the 2020 Model
Despite all of the efforts to make the 2021 Toyota Sienna feel more upmarket with a refined interior, its engine spoils the fun. For 2021, you can’t get the Sienna with a normal engine; instead, the only powertrain available is a hybrid one.
Powering the Sienna is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine developing 189 hp. Thankfully an electric motor joins the fold and bumps the power for a combined output of 245-hp. A welcomed addition given that it has to lug around a 4,600-lb minivan, and that’s before you even put your family in it.
Critics reports noted that the new Sienna and noted the engine is one of its main flaws. Despite consuming an estimated 36 mpg average, the engine develops most of its power at 6,000 rpm.
This is significant because if you want to join the highway and have to accelerate, the variable transmission has to rev the engine very high to make any power. As a result, the engine makes a considerable amount of noise, which permeates throughout the cabin.
To add insult to injury, the new standard engine is less powerful than that of the 2020 model. Despite having a weaker engine by about 51 hp, the new Sienna is about 200 lb heavier than the 2020 model.
Conclusion
The crazy over minivans continue to go down, and over the years, even the sales of the Sienna are declining. It’s not that Toyota doesn’t make great cars either. Sales of the similarly priced Highlander have increased steadily. While the reasons for the shift in buyer behaviour are due to the rise of SUVs, the Sienna is beginning to struggle. Luckily for Toyota, minivan buyers may appreciate the new creature comforts enough to overshadow the performance drop.
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