The SUV or Crossover explosion is in full force, but the minivan isn’t dead just yet. In fact, when it comes to a do-all family vehicle with seven-passenger seating, you’ll find more than a few opinions that still favor the minivan as the superior machine. The Toyota Sienna has a long history in the shrinking minivan segment, but as we can see with these brand new spy photos, it will live on in a fourth generation.

This prototype was recently caught undergoing hot weather testing in Death Valley, California, where we imagine the extensive camouflage tarps make cooling even more of a challenge. This represents our first look at the next-generation minivan, and to Toyota’s credit, exterior design elements are well and truly obscured.


The big wheels, lower grille mesh and flared rocker panels suggest that this particular next-generation Sienna is an SE, the “sportier” trim level that boasts tighter suspension and steering tuning (current version shown above). Much like it did with the recently redesign Camry and Avalon, it seems reasonable to assume that the dynamic gap between the Sienna’s LE and SE trim levels would narrow given the handling improvements inherent to Toyota’s TNG platform that assuredly underpins its new minivan.


As for power, the familiar 3.5-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic should be present, with all-wheel-drive being an option. Additionally, a hybrid model should arrive in the next-generation van as well.

The current Sienna received a minor refresh for the 2018 model year, but the third-generation platform dates all the way back to 2010. As such, we expect Toyota to fully reveal its new Sienna early-to-mid next year as a 2021 model.

Cc: Marpol

Source : https://carzbass.com/2019/07/30/2021-toyota-sienna-spied-for-the-first-time/

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