Scotty-- What do you think of the 2022 Toyota Sienna hybrid? My wife and I are both retired, in our late 60s, and are looking for a versatile vehicle we can snowbird with that can haul her many trip clothes, but gets good mileage. We love our 2012 Acura MDX but the mileage is awful and it burns premium. Normally we would not buy a new car, but the Sienna hybrid comes with a 10-year, 150,000 mile warranty, so it could last longer than we do. What do you think?
if you guys were younger, I’d say stick it out with the MDX and save your money. But you guys are older, retired, so you might as well enjoy your money and vehicles while you can!
The Toyota Sienna Hybrid shares the same platform and engine with the hybrid versions of the RAV4, Highlander, and Venza.
The engine has been in use since 2017, so it has had some time for the kinks to be worked out. While I am not certain of the electric components, I suspect them to be very similar to other Toyota hybrids that have been on the market longer.
So while the Sienna hybrid just came out, I would feel comfortable getting a new one because the platform has a good history.
Also consider the hybrid versions of the Highlander, Venza, and RAV4. The Highlander is probably closer to the Sienna in size.
just wondering .... when you say "shares the same platform", what specifically do they have in common? They're not exactly body-on-chassis vehicles.
Unless this site it wrong, I think they do share the same platform:
https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/57972/2021-toyota-sienna-a-hybrid-for-the-whole-family/
"The fourth-generation Sienna is built on the TNGA-K platform, the same that underpins the RAV4, Highlander and Venza"
@mmj: For the same platform, I am referring to the Toyota New Global Architecture, TNGA.
Toyota created these platforms to build almost all their vehicles off of. They often have the same underpinnings, such as engine, transmission, and more. It is a way for Toyota to cut costs, while maintaining quality. Other manufacturers have their own version of such platforms.
A sampling of their platforms include:
TNGA-B (subcompact)
Yaris, CHR, Yaris Cross
TNGA-C (compact)
Corolla, Corolla Cross, Prius…
TNGA-F (body on frame / trucks)
Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tundra…
TNGA-K
Camry, RAV4, Venza, Highlander, Sienna.
Their Lexus brand also share these same platforms, depending on the size and scope of the vehicle.
They also have a few more platforms that I didn’t list.
With that said, some models haven’t even made the transition yet. The 4Runner is built on an older truck platform, probably for good reason.
In relation to the Sienna 2022, even though this is a brand new model, I am more confident in it that let’s say a 2017 RAV4 when it first came out. The RAV4 put this platform to the test, so hopefully, 5 years later they figured it all out. So the Sienna can benefit from it.
What is the "and more"? Because if it's just engine+transmission, then a more accurate word is "powertrain". I think "platform" is kind of misleading.
Yes, it goes beyond just the powertrain. It’s the way the design the car, so they can cram similar components in different cars. I don’t think there is an exacting list out there of what components they have in common, but this MotorTrend quote explains it is beyond the Powertrain:
“But Toyota's plans go way beyond platforms, powertrains, and the new Prius. This year, Toyota's larger goal is to cut the amount of investment money needed to ready a production line for a new model by about half compared to 2008 levels. This will require Toyota to rethink the structure of its cars and share components across its lineup. As an example, Toyota is planning on reducing the number of H-point heights on its models to five, meaning that there will only be five possible distances between a driver's hip point and the floor for a given car. Depending on a car's H-point height, a limited number of other components can be selected, including steering systems, shifters, and seat frames. While the new system still allows for plenty of combinations, much fewer possibilities exist. This is just one of many examples; Toyota has previously indicated that safety systems, particularly airbags, would share more commonality between models as well.“
OK this image makes a more sense to me ...
So basically most models will be the same car with a different roof, grill, skin, and buttons on the dash. Good to know. Might save you $30k if you don't care about that stuff.
I know, right?! This is one of the big reasons I like this generations RAV4.
Historically, the RAV4 was mechanically related to the Corolla. It was built on the Corolla platform. But this generation now, it is mechanically related to the Camry. It is now built on the Camry platform.
So with the new RAV4, you are getting a Camry based SUV/Crossover for the price of a Corolla based SUV/Crossover.
The new Corolla Cross is basically the previous generation RAV4, updated. Since those were all based on the Corolla.
Or instead of spending money on a Rav4, buy a Camry. Same car just without the hatch.
Seems like a smart idea from Toyota.
well it's good for Toyota because they make more profit. We get less interesting cars though.
I'd get it because of the warranty, if the fine prints is good
Toyota hybrids are decent, not the most fuel efficient but so far they seem to last
(Especially if you're not living in a hot climate)
When it comes to hybrid I trust Toyota more than other manufacturers since they have been making hybrid cars for a long time now. So given this and the warranty you mentioned (do read the fine prints though) it can be a good choice. I personally prefer suv over minivans so if you think you might prefer an suv too given you have the MDX then the Hybrid Highlander is another good choice.
OH sorry! Delete my comment above if you can! I'll repost it here (i'm not sure how to delete)
I have a 2017 Sienna (which I love) The hybrids just started coming out, I would not buy one just yet. Let them work out a few more kinks then maybe buy one. I get 20-23 mpg in mine (Live near houston so lots of highway with some city driving). I know the hybrids will get better mpg but I just think its too soon, usually the later years of a new generation are better! I got 300k on my 09 sienna before I killed it and had to buy the 2017 (bought used in 2020). Hopefully Scotty will chime in and let ya know if its a good idea or not!
Toyota Sienna Hybrid is a decent choice for your age although it's relatively new that can have problems as it ages. I assumed you want gas mileage over reliability. I would also look at a Toyota Highlander Hybrid as an alternative that still gets almost the same gas mileage as the Sienna.
What problems does it have as it ages? You don't think they're reliable?
Not exactly. It may have the potential to have problems, but we'll wait to see what happens.
Every car has "potential" to have problems. Does this car have more potential, or why is it a consideration?
Your answer suggests this car is a compromise of "mileage over reliability"