Toyota designed the Sienna as a family vehicle, and in 2020, the company introduced the fourth generation of this minivan specifically for the North American market.
Initially, Toyota planned to present the Sienna at the 2020 New York International Auto Show. However, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the event was canceled. Undeterred, the Japanese automaker opted for a digital debut, revealing the vehicle online in May 2020. The new minivan was built on the Toyota TNGA-K platform (Toyota New Global Architecture-K), the same architecture used for the Highlander lineup, although this did not turn the MPV into an SUV.
In terms of exterior design, the Sienna did not stand out as the most impressive in its class or within Toyota’s portfolio. The front fascia boasted a particularly prominent grille that nearly dominated the entire area, with only small sections left untouched by horizontal slats. The slim headlights positioned above the bumper, which could have looked more appropriate on a Camry, incorporated daytime running lights. The vehicle’s greenhouse featured a gently sloping roof and robust D-pillars at the rear. The tailgate design appeared to draw inspiration from the Corolla station wagon. Sculpted door panels and rear fenders added some visual appeal to the vehicle’s sides.
The interior, however, was a notable feature thanks to its three-row seating configuration. The ceiling housed the rear entertainment system, ensuring that children in the back seats would remain entertained during long journeys. The trunk offered generous space, especially when the third row of seats was folded down.
Powering the Sienna was a single powertrain option: a hybrid system. This setup combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson engine with an electric motor, both paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).