Detailed explanation of Toyota's new Sienna, with a sporty appearance and average interior. Can it compete with the Odyssey?

The Toyota Sienna, which has been silently unannounced for ten years, has officially unveiled its new generation in North America.

Will the new generation be made in China? I haven’t seen the actual car yet, but just looking at the pictures, what are the highlights and disadvantages? Let’s find out next.

The details of the three versions are slightly different

The current Senna is a 2011 model, and the new-generation Senna is a 2021 model. It will not be launched in North America until the end of this year at the earliest. So if it is domestically produced, it will be in 2021 at the earliest.

The current Senna is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and is over 5 meters long. It is sold domestically through parallel import channels. It has always been tepid. After all, it has not been updated in 10 years, and the American version of Odyssey cannot be sold in North America. But the new model may change that.

American models do not have as complicated naming habits as in China. Generally, models are only divided into SE (corresponding to entry-level), XSE (corresponding to mid-range), Platinum (corresponding to luxury model), and Limited (corresponding to flagship model) ) four levels. Then the user selects the level and then adds configurations to the car as needed.

This time the US version of Senna is only released in three versions: XSE, Limited, and Platinum (from left to right in the picture below). It can be seen that the front face of the mid-range version is slightly different from that of the luxury and flagship models, that is, the openings of the fog lamp areas on both sides are made larger, which is somewhat similar to the style of the Camry sports version. It seems that Toyota hopes to make the new Sienna There is an obvious distinction. The mid-range and low-end models are sold to young people who like sports, while the luxury and flagship models are relatively boring and sold to middle-aged uncles who are relatively oily.

There is not much difference in the styling of the three cars, except that the grille and wheels of the middle version (XSE version) are all blackened, and large-sized fog light areas are used to highlight the sporty temperament. The remaining two versions use the same horizontal bar grille, but the gray luxury model on the far right has a larger grille area than the white flagship model in the middle. All three cars use a through-type design at the bottom of the front, connecting the fog lights on both sides.

From the front, it is obvious that the white flagship model in the middle looks more delicate, while the mid-range version and luxury version on both sides look more domineering.

The style of the headlight set is very unique, integrating high and low beams. Silver chrome plating increases the visual area of ??the lamp unit, making the eyes bright and bright.

The side looks like an elongated Highlander

Take the luxury Senna as an example. Looking at the side, you will clearly feel that it actually looks similar to an SUV. . And the ground clearance is obviously not low. It feels like the wheelbase of a Highlander has been lengthened and then slightly flattened.

▲The American version of the new Senna

▲The American version of the Highlander will be launched in China soon

The shape of this medium and large MPV has begun to become "SUV-like". The use of this slightly sloping back design has become the latest trend in the MPV industry. For example, the Volkswagen Weiran, which is about to be launched, becomes an SUV with a luggage rack installed.

Compared with the square box design of traditional MPVs such as GL8, latecomers such as Weiran and Senna are obviously bolder in design. However, it may be seen from this detail that traditional high-end MPVs are mainly for commercial use, while Weiran and Senna prefer home use, so the business flavor is not that strong.

▲The current Buick GL8

The taillight design is very freehand

Because the tail line is pressed down, the new Sienna looks less tall and dignified than the GL8, and more Like a high-end home MPV. This is somewhat similar to Weiran. But compared with the Weiran, the lines of the new Senna are more lively. For example, the taillights - it's like drawing a circle around the taillights with a brush, and the tip of the brush is drawn downwards, which is very freehand.

From the shape of the tail, you can also clearly feel the obvious difference in style between the Senna and the GL8.

▲The current Buick GL8

The SUV-like interior has both highlights and disadvantages

When it comes to the car, the luxury version (Platinum) is still the For example, unlike traditional MPVs, the new Senna has the gear lever integrated above, and the middle of the front seats can be connected.

Instead, like an SUV, a large bridge-type center console is built, with the gear lever and cup holders placed on it. The advantage of this is that when driving this car, you feel like you are the owner and have equal status with the passengers.

In addition, this screen is only a 9-inch screen, which is slightly conservative. Supports Apple and Android.

Under the bridge-type center console, there is a large storage space. In terms of interior materials, it can be seen that this luxury version uses a lot of leather wrapping and stitching, including the countertop, door panels, and seats. But you can’t tell from the picture alone whether the wood grain panel is made of real solid wood, or whether it is made of imitation wood grain plastic like the domestic Camry. But at least this floating screen is not as big and thick as the domestic Toyota color TV. Judging from the pictures alone, the interior quality should be higher than that of Asia Dragon. If it were made in China, it would probably be the highest-grade model produced by Toyota in China.

The luxury version uses two independent seats in the rear with leg rests. The armrest box in front is equipped with various types of power interfaces and storage boxes. It is said that this car has as many as 7 USB ports throughout the body.

However, this armrest box is all made of hard plastic, without any wrapping or decoration, and the workmanship seems a bit rough. As a high-end model, it can be seen from this detail that Toyota probably expects this car to be more suitable for home use. For business reception, it's a bit shabby (the flagship model may be better). Pay attention to the slide rails on the ground. The new Senna can slide forward and backward 63.5 cm (25 inches), which is very practical for home use. In addition, for families with multiple children, Senna offers six- and seven-seat versions.

Let’s take a look at the interior of the mid-range version (XSE). The most eye-catching thing is the large amount of red stitching, which highlights a sporty temperament.

The top of the center console should be covered with suede material, and the gear handle area of ??the center console should be entirely made of hard plastic. In terms of the quality of the interior, it can't be said to be very luxurious.

The seats are wrapped in two-tone leather and are not perforated. They may be made of a material similar to artificial leather.

In terms of the class and luxury of the interior, the Senna is slightly lacking. The overall style is more home-like. Compared with GL8 and Weiran, the taste for home use is stronger.

All American models use hybrid power

The 3.5L large V6 has said goodbye. The new version of the Senna has only one set of power for the entire series, which is Toyota's 2.5L dual engine. However, on this basis, like the RAV4, the Senna also derives a four-wheel drive version. That is, the four-wheel drive E-Four is specially used on hybrid vehicles, and its Chinese name is "electronic four-wheel drive system". The principle is that the front and rear axles are equipped with three sets of motors, two at the front and one at the rear. The maximum output of the single motor at the rear is 121Nm and 40kW, ensuring sufficient power output for the rear axle. Toyota's electronic four-wheel drive can distribute up to 80% of the driving force to the rear axle. This is its uniqueness.

In terms of fuel consumption, this Senna can reach the level of 7.1 liters/100 kilometers. Hybrid four-wheel drive, this should be Senna's trump card.

In terms of configuration, based on the temperament of domestically produced Toyota, it goes without saying that various Toyota active safety technologies are available. Other configurations all depend on whether you are willing to spend money. Not to mention the head-up display, even the electronic rearview mirror , vacuum cleaners and refrigerators can be provided for you.

Final remarks

The news that the old Senna will be produced in China has spread for a long time without any follow-up. There are two reasons for speculation: First, maybe GAC Toyota and FAW Toyota have not reached an agreement. Who can Whether to produce a prototype car or a sister car is probably still being discussed. The second is to wait for the new Senna. At the RMB 300,000-400,000 level, Toyota really doesn’t have a high-end MPV in China. Seeing that the new GL8 family, the new generation Alison/Odyssey, and the new Volkswagen Viran have all been launched one after another, a new round of reshuffle in the domestic high-end MPV market has begun, and Toyota has no reason to sit back and watch.

However, judging from the current information, the Senna has not announced its dimensions, and Toyota cars based on the TNGA platform do not feel that they are strong in terms of space. Actual space in this car may be an issue. In addition, judging from the interior design, it is still a little less luxurious than a commercial MPV. This also limits the purchasing choices of some people in the country.

In general, if the price of this car is right, from the perspective of economy and stability, it may be a more suitable choice for home use. Competing models should be the Odyssey and Alison.

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This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.