Sienna and Venza are two new Toyota hybrids in America

A new SUV and popular next-generation minivan, Toyota has unveiled two new hybrid models for the US market at an online press conference. On the TNGA platform, the fourth version of the Sienna minivan and the Venza SUV, which is returning after many years, positioning itself between the RAV4 and Highlander, were created. Later this year, Toyota's US hybrid range will increase to 10 models.

Toyota Sienna is an all-wheel-drive hybrid in the conservative minivan market

The new Sienna is a bold move for American Toyota - firstly, it brings a very modern design to the mid-range family minivan segment, and secondly, it will be available exclusively with a hybrid drive. It is worth remembering that Toyota USA intends to achieve the share of hybrids in the total sales of 25% only by 2025, while in Russia it is already almost 40%, and in all of Western and Central Europe - more than 60%. The surprises don't stop there - the new Sienna should support an active lifestyle thanks to AWD-i drive and Yakima travel accessories, including roof rails, a roof box, a bike rack and an inverter with a 120V plug for power. tourist equipment.

Toyota Sienna 2021

The new Sienna was developed by Calty Design, the American design studio of Toyota, on the TNGA-K platform, the same as the RAV4 and Camry. It is equipped with a fourth-generation hybrid system with 246 hp. with a 2.5 liter petrol engine. The system allows you to select one of four driving modes - EV, NORMAL, ECO and SPORT. All-wheel drive depends on an additional electric motor on the rear axle, which works in conjunction with hybrid front-wheel drive.

The list of equipment includes such delights as sliding side doors that open electrically with the movement of the foot under it, four-zone air conditioning or a refrigerator in the central tunnel. The cabin has optional captain's seats in the second row of seats that slide back and forth by as much as 63 cm. There is a choice of 7- or 8-seater seats. In addition, there are 7 USB ports and optional WiFi and a premium JBL audio system that can replace the standard set. Safety tech includes the 2nd generation Toyota Safety Sense package, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, virtual rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up HUD.

Toyota Venza - a hybrid SUV larger than RAV4

The second novelty is the mid-size SUV Venza, which is located between the RAV4 and Highlander. The model was sold in the US from 2008 to 2015 and is now returning in a second batch, also based on the TNGA-K platform. Hybrid drive will be the only option available. He points out that the design of the Venzy is completely different from the RAV4 or Highlander.

The popularity of SUVs is constantly growing, so it is not surprising that Toyota decided to expand its American lineup of vehicles of this type with another model. Toyota is doing the same in Europe, where its SUV lineup will soon include 4 models. These will be Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4 and Highlander, all of which will be available with at least one hybrid drive.

Toyota Venza 2021

Some of the Venza's equipment is shared with the new Sienna - an optional JBL audio system, a virtual rearview mirror, a 10-inch head-up display and a second-generation Toyota Safety Sense package. However, there are interesting differences, for example, a panoramic roof that stops UV radiation is made of transparent or opal glass. And it's not about choosing from a dealer when buying, but in two options for transparency, set by a button on the center console. In addition to the blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert offered in the Sienno, there's also a forward and reverse parking assist system with automatic emergency braking. The multimedia systems of both vehicles include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. The Venzy air conditioner uses the S-FLOW system, known from some Lexus models, to direct cool air to the occupied seats only.

Toyota Venza 2021

The Venzy's hybrid drive is also based on the 2.5-liter engine, but it's the 222-horsepower all-wheel drive system known from the RAV4. Toyota uses a lithium-ion battery in this model. NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes are available.

The new Sienna will hit showrooms later this year. Sales of Venza will begin this summer.

Photos: Toyota