Is the new Toyota Sienna 2021 the next Tarago?

Toyota Australia has moved its people mover upmarket with the introduction of the Granvia, but could the new US Sienna arrive to in local showrooms to target the budget-conscious Tarago buyer?

Not according to an official Toyota spokesperson, who told CarsGuide that: “We are currently happy with the role that Granvia plays in the premium people mover segment and at this stage have no plans to introduce the Sienna to the Australian market,” they said.

Just revealed in fourth-generation guise for the US market, the new Sienna now sports a hybrid powertrain across its line-up that outputs 181kW from a petrol-electric 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and dual-electric motor set-up.

Fuel economy is 7.1 litres per 100km in front-drive form, though the all-wheel-drive option that adds another electric motor to the rear axle is expected to increase the Sienna’s thirst.

Four drive modes are available – EV, Normal, Eco and Sport – while the regenerative braking system can also be adjusted for increased efficiency.

Built on the same TNGA-K platform that is shared with the new Kluger, RAV4 and Camry, the bodywork was designed by Calty Design – the same company that penned the Supra-previewing FT-1 concept.

The Sienna wears a large front grille, sleek headlights and heavily sculpted rear fenders, with 20-inch wheels available as an option, combining to make it one of the most stylish people movers on the market.

Inside, the Sienna scores a 7.0-inch drive display, 9.0-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and seven USB ports, while a premium sound system, surround-view camera and Wi-Fi connectivity is also available in higher grades.

Safety wise, the Sienna is fitted with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.