The redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna is built on the company’s TNGA-K platform and features a standard hybrid powertrain that will give it a Toyota-estimated 57 percent improvement in combined fuel economy: 33 mpg. Along with exterior styling that brings it more in line with Toyota’s crossover lineup and new driver-assist and safety features, the 2021 Sienna receives upgraded interior amenities, including a much-improved infotainment system and recliner-like second-row seating. Here’s a roundup of snippets of initial Sienna reviews from the automotive media.
“The Sienna was surprisingly in its element on a rather demanding, curvy road, and I’d venture to say it rivals any crossover, and tops most, for composure and ride quality. After the Highlander, its body motions felt tidy, and road noise was a full step quieter. Despite being roughly the same length and weight, the light, quick-ratio steering and suspension tuning made the Sienna feel more nimble, with a sense of maneuverability and a hint of sportiness.”
— Bengt Halvorson, Green Car Reports
“Net output from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors (two standard, three in the AWD) comes in at 245 horsepower. That’s down from the 296 horsepower of the previous generation’s V6 as well as the comparable outputs of those V6-powered competitors. It certainly won’t be the top choice for leadfooted minivan drivers, but that’s a minority, if possibly an oxymoron. For everyone else, the new model actually weighs less than before, slightly mitigating the power loss, while the instantaneous nature of the electric torque makes it feel quick off the line. The only real drawback is living with the CVT. That’s something much of the modern commuting world has come to live with, but we did feel self-conscious about the droning with family in the car. It’s one of those things you get used to; tough.
“Otherwise, the drive is smooth and mostly quiet. When not accelerating, the engine makes little sound. Noise from the wind and road are mostly filtered out before intruding into the cabin. The suspension is taut enough to provide good support for the Sienna’s long, bulky body, but not punishing over the craggy roads of southeast Michigan. Your author’s pregnant and car-sickness-prone wife had no complaints.
“With no passengers aboard, we traveled some of the grubbier dirt roads in our area, where the Sienna felt similarly composed. We didn’t encounter any inclement weather to test the limits of the all-wheel drive, but we didn’t encounter any mid-corner instability on loose surfaces. Regardless, the ‘AWD’ badge on the back will be a confidence booster to Sienna customers living within the Snow Belt, were four-wheel motivation can often be a requirement for certain buyers. As such, it’s a leg up on all but the Chrysler Pacifica, which also offers all-wheel drive.”
— John Beltz Snyder, Autoblog
“As you might expect, the Sienna’s performance is perfectly adequate but hardly thrilling. It feels a bit tepid around town, exactly where you’d expect a hybrid with immediate torque provided by electric motors to shine. Paradoxically, this van seems punchier out on the open road, accelerating more vigorously. Still, a little extra giddy-up would be appreciated, especially if you’re hauling a full load or towing anywhere near this van’s 3,500-pound limit. When working hard, the Sienna’s fuel-sipping drivetrain also sounds a bit distressed, louder and more grumbly than I recall the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being, which has basically the same powertrain. Minor gripes aside, it’s hard to argue with the economy this family-hauler provides.”
— Craig Cole, Roadshow by CNET
“What’s also clear: The new Sienna loses a step to the outgoing model, which made 296 hp, though the deficit isn’t as bad as it looks on paper. Step on the gas, and the hybrid drivetrain’s electric motors lend immediate oomph from a stop, but engine power then raises revs noisily and a little out of sync with your right foot. Power comes soon enough, but maximum acceleration is a bit slower than [in] the old Sienna. The new drivetrain seems optimized for power transitions when you’re already in motion; go from some pedal to more pedal, and power comes with little delay.”
— Kelsey Mays, Cars.com
“While minivans aren’t what you’d call fun to drive, the all-new Toyota Sienna feels pretty light on its feet thanks to its hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive capability. The 243 horsepower isn’t as robust as the respective 280 and 287 horses from its respective Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica rivals with their V-6s. However, the instant torque from the electric motors compensates, giving the Sienna a snappy feel right off the line. And while the competition boasts V-6 power, the Sienna far surpasses both by offering 36 mpg combined — that’s at least a dozen more miles per gallon for best-in-class fuel economy.
“While the power is good and the fuel economy exceptional, those who want the smoothness of a V-6 and a multi-gear torque converter transmission will have to shop elsewhere. The hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain with its CVT is the only engine offered. It works well but is slightly noisier than the other minivans in its class.
“Toyota also has done a commendable job on steering feel, body control and ride. The Sienna isn’t meant to be a sport sedan, but its road manners are predictable, linear and confidence-inspiring. The Sienna is easy to drive, with well-controlled body motions and a comfortable ride.”
— Matt DeLorenzo, Kelley Blue Book
“The 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine effortlessly propels the van forward from a stop, and the van can glide along on electric power alone at low speeds (typically up to 20 mph). The system produces 245 hp and supplies sufficient go when called upon.”
“From our brief time with this preproduction Sienna, it feels as if the van is no longer playing second fiddle to the polished Honda Odyssey. The van is responsive to steering inputs and happy to hustle along winding roads.”
“We were quite impressed with the Sienna’s ability to shrug off bumps and broken pavement.”
— Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports