INDIANAPOLIS — Despite having a six-year-old daughter and far-away family that often takes my family on long drives, my husband refuses to drive a mini-van. I tried to talk him into one a few years ago, but we ended up with a crossover instead. He just didn’t think they were cool, no matter their obvious practicality and comfort. Maybe he’ll better appreciate the Indiana-built 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid that’s transforming how families travel.
It’s built in Indiana, but was inspired by the Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train – evidenced by sleek sinewy forms ready to zip across the landscape. It’s kind of sexy with its squinty headlamps, large grille, chiseled bodysides, and thin angular taillamps that lend the van a lithe tailored appearance. Our base LE edition rides on 17” wheels, but upper trim models add larger kicks. From the curb or watching it stretch by on the Interstate, it cuts a swath.
Good looks get you in the door, but the interior is where families will spend long hours. Styling is dominated by a wide bridge console with cavernous storage within accompanied by a wide touchscreen above. It feels like you’re piloting a futuristic concept car. Our van had cloth seats and rubber steering wheel, but details like woodgrain on most flat surfaces, stitched coverings on the console, satin silver accents, and armrests mounted to the bridge lend an aura of traveling in a high-tech Japanese minka. First-class style lounge chairs are available for the second row, but base models come with regular captain’s chairs and an insert to allow eight-passenger seating. The rearmost seats fold into the floor. It’s all proves function can be beautiful.
There’s abundant of journey-friendly technology, too. Dual zone automatic climate control, 8-speaker audio, sunroof, and wireless device charging are available. Add in Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa to make connecting phones and pads a cinch. Keeping the tribe safe are radar cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and rear seat child reminder.
Channeling its famous Prius sibling, Sienna has gone all-hybrid for 2021. There’s no plug, but the 2.5-liter four-cylinder-based system offers a combined 243 horsepower to easily carry a full load of family and gear. The all-wheel-drive system employs an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, adding secure traction in all conditions while optimizing fuel efficiency. Towing capacity rates 3,500 lbs., which is enough to tow a pop-up camper, smaller boat, or all-terrain vehicles for weekend outings. Compact car fuel economy ratings of 36/36-MPG city/highway save money for the fun you’ll have.
Like popular crossovers, mini-vans are based on car architecture, sitting low to the road to enhance handling and ride comfort – like driving large sedans with panoramic visibility. The Sienna’s suspension is the right balance of comfort and control, able to soak up long vacation miles or rough city streets serenely. Providing at least a little driving enjoyment for mom or dad, selectable drive modes can tighten the steering and sharpen throttle response in Sport mode or do the opposite in Eco mode.
If my husband drove the Sienna from Indianapolis to Dallas and back during our next family holiday, it would transform his thoughts of owning a mini-van. This one has the fashionable wrapper and technology suite families crave, but also fuel economy and comfort they’ve never experienced. There’s absolutely no shame in driving this mini-van, especially since it supports jobs in our state. Base models start at $34,460, but came to $39,935 as-tested.
Storm Forward!
Casey Williams is former auto correspondent for WFYI and the Indianapolis Star plus a contributor to the Chicago Tribune’s Sunday Auto Page. He has reviewed vehicles and covered the auto industry for over 25 years. He lives with his family in Broad Ripple. E-mail him at AutoCasey@aol.com; check his reviews on YouTube at AutoCasey.
AUTO: 2021 Toyota Sienna LE
2021 Toyota Sienna LE
Eight-passenger, AWD Van
Powertrain: 2.5-liter I4 Hybrid, CVT
Output: 243hp
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels f/r: 17”17” alloy
Brakes f/r: Regen disc/disc
Must-have features: Style, Travel
Towing: 3,500 lbs.
Fuel economy: 36/36 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Princeton, IN
Base/As-tested price: $34,460/$39,935
