Toyota premieres two all-new models online, the Sienna and Venza

MANILA: Toyota Motor Corporation launched two all-new models online last night, the 2021 Sienna (minivan) and the 2021 Venza (mid-size crossover) amid the global pandemic caused by COVID-19.

Despite being designed, engineered and assembled in the USA, the façade of the fourth-generation Sienna takes inspiration from Japan’s iconic Shinkansen (bullet train). Its design puts emphasis on the shoulder to express muscular wheel flares and athleticism.

Inside, Toyota takes the ‘swagger wagon’ reputation of its predecessor to another level by giving it a large 10-inch center touch display and the innovative Bridge Console that connects the instrument panel to the center armrest while also providing plenty of storage spaces for both driver and passenger. The second-row captain seats with ottoman slide 25 inches for greater legroom. Select models come with Super Long Slide second-row captain’s chairs. It also has seven USB ports, 18 cup holders, and an optional optional JBL 1,200-watt amp/12-speaker Premium Audio and 1080p HD rear entertainment system.

Powering the Sienna is a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with Toyota’s Hybrid System II. Total output of 243 total HP is sent to the wheels via an eCVT (continuously variable transmission). It operates with four drive modes: EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. Electronic on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option on all trims.

It comes standard with 10 airbags and the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) that includes:

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

Road Sign Assist

“This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform. The development of the fourth generation Sienna was a huge undertaking but we always worked towards one single mission—to make the best van yet,” said Chief Engineer Monte Kaehr.

The second-generation Venza uses the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) K platform in order to deliver sedan comfort along with crossover versatility.

It comes standard with the marque’s Electronic on-demand AWD that gets power from two engine options: 176 HP from the 2.5L four-cylinder engine or a total of 219 HP from the 2.5L four-cylinder engine and hybrid system. The petrol trim uses a direct-shift CVT while the hybrid’s gearbox is an eCVT.

Standard infotainment system uses an 8-inch touchscreen but higher trims come with a 12.3-inch touch display. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and have Bluetooth connectivity. Lower models have a 6-speaker system with a 4-channel amp but there’s an option to get the JBL Premium Audio System with 9 speakers, including a rear subwoofer, powered by a 12-channel, 1,200-watt amp – the most powerful system launched in a Toyota to date. Carrying space is 26.3 cubic feet.

A Toyota-first, it offers Star Gaze, which is a fixed panoramic glass roof that allows the driver to switch from transparent to frosted modes with just a click of a button.

For efficiency and to reduce energy consumption, the Venza borrows the S-Flow cooling technology from Lexus. This directs air-conditioning only to occupied seats.

It is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Smart Stop Technology (SST), on top of features included in TSS 2.0.

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