Toyota Announces Two New Hybrids for MY 21

At a time when people are generally hunkered down and thinking more about whether they can get frozen French fries at the supermarket than buying a new vehicle, at a time when gas prices nationally are on average less than $2.00 per gallon, Toyota is getting ready for the Return by announcing the development of two all-new model year 2021 vehicles, the Sienna minivan and the Venza crossover, both of which have standard hybrid powertrains.

Under the hood of the Venza hybrid. (Images: Toyota)

What We Know About Each

Sienna

• Fourth generation. Based on the global TNGA-K platform
• Designed and engineered in California and Michigan
• To be built at the Toyota Princeton, Indiana plant
• Safety Sense 2.0 standard (pre-collision with pedestrian detection; full-speed range dynamic radar cruise; land-departure alert with steering assist; lane trace assist; automatic high beams; road sign assist)
• Powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter DOHC four with two electric motors
• Total horsepower: 243
• Estimated fuel efficiency: 33 mpg combined
• AWD available (uses a third electric motor). Torque distribution is up to 20:80 on slippery surfaces

Venza

• Based on the TNGA-K platform
• All models are AWD
• Hybrid consists of the 2.5-liter DOHC four with three electric motors
• Safety Sense 2.0 standard
• Total horsepower: 219
• Estimated fuel efficiency: 40 mpg combined (in LE trim; trims include XLE and Limited)
• Dimensionally between the RAV4 and the Highlander
• Two rows of seats
• 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row.