By Ric Green
Toyota has once again taken steps to solidify its leadership in the hybrid vehicle arena with the introduction of the 2021 Venza Hybrid and the 2021 Senna Hybrid. The manufacturer that familiarized the automobile driving public with the term “Hybrid” when they introduced the Prius as the first mass produced hybrid passenger vehicle in 1997 continues to adapt. Making its debut in the United States market in 2001, today the Prius is marketed in more than 40 countries and is touted as the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold by the United States EPA.
A hybrid car uses more than one means of propulsion. That means combining a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. The main advantages of a hybrid are that it should consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than a comparable conventional petrol or diesel-engine vehicle.
Toyota’s basic mission has not changed since the early Prius. Their hybrids are designed to help the driver get better performance on the road with fewer emissions.
Toyota’s hybrid vehicles range from compact, mid-size, full-size sedans to mid-size and full-size hybrid SUVs. Toyota’s hybrid and alternative fuel technology works and include all the interior features of their most fuel-efficient sedans. They have worked to possess efficiency, reliability, and power for the 21st Century and at price to fit the consumers various and unique lifestyles.
This summer Toyota is bringing back a favorite of mine, the Venza, as a hybrid. After a six-year absence the crossover returns with new technology including an electric all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The five-passenger Venza is estimated to get 40 mpg combined and got a huge makeover for its reboot debut. Everything looks more streamlined, including the baby spoiler on the back roof, and the front end takes a decidedly more secular look to match the powertrain.
Speaking of that powertrain, the new 2021 Toyota Venza includes a 2.5-liter four and the Toyota Hybrid System II with a battery and three electric motors. The combination is good for 219 total system horsepower (hp).
There are numerous tech treats inside and out like Toyota’s Predictive Efficient Drive function and Active Cornering Assist to the cool Star Gaze panoramic roof that frosts over with the touch of a button when the sun is beating down while still letting light in.
If you need more than space for five, Toyota is bringing a new Sienna minivan to market for 2021, too. Like the Venza it gets a hybrid powertrain, but all-wheel drive is optional. Outside Toyota gave it looks like a bullet train!
The fourth-gen 2021 Toyota is more aggressive-looking with muscular bodywork that makes it seem like it has rear fender flares. The front end continues with its good looks and the back shows a little more style, but similar to the outgoing model. It’s a good-looking van.
The interior of the eight- or seven-passenger Sienna minivan gets lots of room and tech add on. Look for seven USB ports, 18 cupholders and. Wi-Fi is offered, as is an upgraded 1,200-watt radio and a rear-entertainment system. There are several options for front infotainment and like the previous model, the new Toyota Sienna gets a built-in PA system to chat (or yell) at the kids in the back. It also has a digital rearview mirror so when there’s a lot of cargo you can still see what’s behind your vehicle using the rear-mounted camera.
The 2021 Sienna tops out at 243 total hp with the hybrid powertrain and a 2.5-liter engine. Like the Venza it has modes for EV, eco, normal and sport. Also, like the Venza, it has several levels of braking regeneration and uses navigation to predict what the driver might do and adjust accordingly for efficiency.
They have not announced the official pricing on the new 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan but the current base Sienna comes in at about $32,000 and It is expected to go on sale later this year. The 2021 Venza should have a price starting at around $30,000 when it hits showroom this summer.
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