Toyota Sienta Compact Minivan Makes Japanese Debut
The Toyota Sienta compact minivan
Here in the US, our only Toyota minivan offering is the much-loved Sienna—aka, Swagger Wagon. Over in Japan, however, drivers get to enjoy a compact minivan with a similar name but a completely different look and feel. And this week, Toyota released the all-new Sienta minivan for sale in its only market.
One of the most striking details about the Sienta is its huge front grille, resembling that found on the current-generation Camry and Corolla, and the upcoming Mirai. Bumper garnishes run from the bottom of the grille to the headlights and taillights, connecting the two and creating what appears to be a smile. According to Toyota, the Sienta’s design is based on a “trekking shoe,” which reflects the vehicle’s ability to haul camping and hiking equipment as easily as it could the entire neighborhood’s kids.
One of the most unique things about the new Sienta is its seating arrangements, which takes styling cues from a stadium. The seats are gradually elevated toward the rear to make the best use of the available space. The sliding door opens all the way to the third row, making entry and exit as smooth as possible.
The minivan is available in eight colors, including the brand new Air Yellow. Drivers can choose from a regular gasoline engine, or a gas-electric hybrid. To make the vehicle as safe as it can be for families, Toyota is offering Safety Sense C—a package which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
Toyota is also offering a wheelchair-adapted Sienta as part of its Welcab lineup. Second-row seating on the passenger side and a ramp allow wheelchair users to get in and out of the vehicle with little to no hassle.
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