2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD Reviewed and Off-Road Trail Test (Sorry, not sorry.)

[@garrettw99]

The “eCVT” is not a CVT at all. Has almost nothing to do with a normal CVT because it is a planetary gear set. Much less moving parts and much more reliable than a CVT. The power delivery is much more linear on the eCVT than a CVT. However, you still get a decent amount of engine noise. If you don’t mind the engine noise, Toyota’s eCVT is an extremely good transmission and one of the most reliable ever made.

[@CJ-zz9ts]

Its an eVT

[@americandude3825]

So is it a ecvt or etv becuase every vehicle I’ve looked at the last two months at Toyota has ecvt written on the window sticker

[@garrettw99]

@@americandude3825 eCVT. Only hybrids have an eCVT. The regular ICE cars have either CVT or traditional transmissions or dual clutch.

[@sudeeptaghosh]

And that 40% efficient Atkinson cycle engine .. love it

[@noblekitty]

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. The eCVT, no matter the design, is a CVT because it doesn't shift in steps/speed like traditional transmission manual or auto. Yes, normal CVT, the one that uses a belt connecting 2 cones shape, has bad rep for reliability. That's why Toyota wants to clearify that theirs CVTs using in hybrids are different, eCVT. Note that Toyota do use the regular design CVTs in their non hybrid models too.

[@PWCDN]

Not gonna lie, this van is on my radar. This off-road review is just icing on the cake and an unexpected surprise (thank you). I don't have kids, I really just want a cargo mover for outdoor activities/camping with potential for 7 passengers in the city and all the crossovers are underwhelming for the price when you compare pound for pound what this van can do, comfort for 7 adults/cargo size + fuel efficiency. I won't be hauling plywood or dry wall, so the non-removable 2nd row doesn't affect me.

[@wenqingtsu]

just watched the TFL folks drag racing the Sienna vs Odyssey and now I am watching someone taking a Sienna off-road. 21st century van shopping for a dad of 2

[@aertime-]

What did you go with? Any regrets?

[@iwfur25]

Keep in mind Toyota's hybrid "CVT" isn't the belt/chain kind of CVT. I think it's a misnomer to even call it CVT but whatever. The main electric drive motor (or motors w/AWD) are direct drive to the wheels. Google it. The gas engine can vary it's RPM based on power demand so yes you get the noise of the engine at a steady RPM but not the fragility of (some) of the belt/chain style ones. Also the engine redline tends to be lower, I think the Rav4 hybrid is like 4500 RPM so it's never "that bad". I suspect everyone who gets Toyota hybrid gets over it pretty quick.

[@ppmnox]

after 2 years of ownership I can vouch that it was never that intrusive

[@disophisis]

I believe the new Ford Maverick has a similar style CVT. Beltless, anyway.

[@HighPowerXH]

Yes, it's a eCVT (bad name IMO) and I'm tired of hearing reviews calling it a CVT

[@alanmay7929]

I think it also has a first physical gear.

[@johnjames7712]

@@alanmay7929 the Toyota Hybrid eCVT does not have a physical first gear.

[@taggartlittle570]

This was fun to watch. We took ours on a 5000 mile camping trip with 2 teenage girls and all of their crap and tested the awd going on “not maintained for passenger vehicles” roads up the side of Humphrey peak in Arizona and up Red Grade into the Bighorn wilderness in Wyoming All of that and many miles over 100mph in Montana to make me and the oldest happy, and I still averaged 35mpg for the entire trip. We love this van!

[@edburck]

I appreciate this video and your much more recent experience. I'm taking delivery of a '24 XSE AWD Premium in three weeks as a single empty nester who happens to enjoy camping. I am buying this van specifically as both a daily driver and a road trip and camping van.

[@johnvargas7845]

Of course we want to see it going off road, that's why we clicked on this video. Nice review thanks!

[@anthonyjackson8857]

Dear god in heaven PLEASE let this be the start of something new with minivans🙏 I mean, a half an inch of lift isnt much, but it's at least a start- and with all wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain that yields mpg in the mid thirties, I'm real happy- but I'd LOVE to see some INTENTIONALLY rugged minivans start being designed from the FACTORY to appeal to something more than just the soccer mom segment. I've got a 27 year old all wheel drive high top chevy astro that I lifted and put on all terrains, and that thing does pretty decent offroad for something that wasn't designed to do it- and I actually get compliments on it all the time and even people offering to BUY it from me!Imagine if a few manufacturers actually started TRYING to make minivans a little more rugged and appealing? Nothing too crazy, just maybe some decent styling for a change and a little more than 7 inches of ground clearance... maybe 8 and a half? Or... dare I say it... 9?! *gasp*😬 I get it- long wheel bases make for crappy break over angles, but hell- the astro wheel base ain't crazy long, but somehow it seats 8! I'd LOVE to see something like that and with a hybrid powertrain! Come on car makers-There is ABSOLUTELY a market for it! Please make it happen🤞

[@OneBaldingWookiee]

Ryan getting excited about the off-roading capabilities of this minivan 🤣. I actually can’t wait to see the Woodland edition now.

[@frankpai1827]

This Sienna AWD off road test is what I was looking for a long time and finally there is. Thanks!

[@RandyArellano]

That is pretty damn impressive for a "road-going" minivan AND hybrid!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Indeed.

[@James-il3tq]

Same E-AWD 8n my 2019 RAV4 hybrid XSE. I do a lot of camping in the bushes and am thoroughly impressed! Factory all seasons are no good offroad as expected. Once they wore out bought Falken Wildpeak AT Trail tires (come on RAV4 Trail/Adventure models) and wow gravel/offroads now sooo much better while adding a smoother ride (especially over potholes, uneven pavement). Handling worse as expected but overall improvement by far (and very minimal tire noise).

[@valdius85]

This minivan should not be taken off-road. That is why I am so happy that you've done it! :)

[@Jeo-What]

Soooo glade you have done the off road test to show how the E-AWD perform in real life driving. Look forward to the WoodLand review in the future. well done.

[@disophisis]

I live in the rocky mountain area and the number of mini vans I see parked miles up crappy roads is pretty crazy. People expect a lot of these things.

[@Atomb]

Go to Africa and see what they can do with a Corolla!

[@superlight47]

@@Atomb I am interesting to know. Do you mind to share some of it here?

[@Atomb]

@@superlight47 I spent time in Cameroon and went into villages that were miles and miles off any paved/graded road. There were tons of Corollas in places most North American's wouldn't take their pick up. The city of Douala had pot holes bigger than cars and it was a torture test for any vehicle. Tons of old Toyotas there. I took very few pictures there as having an $1000 camera hanging off your neck wasn't wise.

[@superlight47]

@@Atomb very interesting experience.

[@PWCDN]

@@Atomb my uncle has a tiny Suzuki hatchback (FWD) at his cottage off some island in Greece where it is rocky/gravel roads on incline off the main streets (literally look like the ones in this video). I was amazed what he can do with that vehicle off-road. I came to realize, off-road is as much about the lightness of your vehicle than the drive-train's capabilities. This van is truly remarkable considering it is super heavy.

[@cafn8ed74]

My first thought at 20:00 when you dismissed the more reasonable of us and said that you were taking the minivan off road was "OK, folks Schadenfreude time." I have to admit, though, that watching a hybrid minivan hang a wheel as it climbs a rocky ascent and then keep going with minimal drama was pretty impressive.

[@ohioguy4326]

Did pretty good considering it has the ground clearance of a camry, next lets see an AWD camry off road test.

[@dawood2u]

🤣

[@alexfed4721]

Finally honest review! Every “tester” talking only how good it is

[@garik1018]

I just bought this car LE version and absolutely love it! I drove from San Jose to LA 360 miles and still has 300 miles left! that's insane! you can easily drive 650 miles with 18 gallons . The base model is loaded with tech futures like android/apple carplay , line assist and adaptive cruise control. Great video btw.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Klopp needs to start endorsing Siennas instead of those stupid Opels!!

[@hrnkrks1]

Is it AWD?

[@garik1018]

@@hrnkrks1 no

[@meenam300zx]

Toyotas are great if you don't mind the uncomfortable seats. I do the same trip with my Volvo XC60 once a month and I can drive for 8 hours straight and walk out with no issues. If I drive my Wife's 2020 Avalon Limited, or my son's 2019 Highlander Limited for 4 hours, I have to visit a chiropractor. Surprisingly, my daughter's CRV has a much better seat than Toyota but lesser quality compared to Volvo.

[@17IFTnyc]

This is beyond expectations. Can't believe the Sienna claimed that trail with relative ease

[@LetmeTellyou11]

I have a 2WD 2016 sienna and got caught in couple of pretty bad blizzards driving in Utah. I thought we would be in pretty bad shape but surprisingly it handled it pretty well and we made it without any problems.

[@whoawoahh]

@@LetmeTellyou11 did you guys do

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

You don't need a TRX for every hill...

[@garrettw99]

I think the squishy tires and torque from the electric motors made a big difference.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@garrettw99 A V6 minivan wouldn't have had a problem either. Toyota just doesn't offer that anymore sadly.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Definitely want this even more now. Supposedly, the lifted version has more offroad tricks than just having better ground clearance

[@tony7044]

You can purchase a 2" or 3" lift kit for the base model, no need to upgrade to the woodland which runs you wayyyy more money.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@tony7044 don't get a Journeys kit. Their welders are terrible

[@keithcharles2113]

Great review! Felt thorough, honest and unbiased. I loved the pic of the right front wheel in the air! That position has been a failure point in a lot of AWD systems. I was surprised it got enough power to the rear wheels to get itself unstuck. The only sticking question in my mind is could the van still pull off that trick with 1200 pounds of family and cargo onboard?

[@kevina.600]

This man will take anything and everything off-road 😂 tricycle off-road test, toy car off-road test, smart car off-road test 😂 love it

[@anthonyjackson8857]

Is it just me, or did this actually perform BETTER offroad than the rav4 hybrid did?!👀👀👀 VERY impressive

[@TheBMurda]

Makes sense as its electric motors are more powerful!

[@jiayaw]

I wonder how it would compare to the highlander hybrid

[@darrelljourdan3687]

​@@TheBMurda Betting the extra 3/4 ton of weight helps a bit more than the electric, but torque is definitely your friend!!!

[@Tmrfe0962]

Driving cross country with the Mrs. For a retirement journey. Can’t imagine a better vehicle for this. Love this….

[@camzimmer6898]

You missed two of the best features-super slide second row seats that allow 6’5”+ folks to fit easily and a 1500w plug in the back that uses the hybrid battery to power almost anything you can throw at it.

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

I think the 1500W plug is only an option on top, platinum trim.

[@camzimmer6898]

@@edwardzdankiewicz9068 Not sure if this is the case everywhere, but in Canada it’s in the Technology package which you can start adding in the XSE level.

[@occckid123]

He did slide the 2nd row far and said you can adjust it forward 2 a confirms position 4 middle and rear folks

[@camzimmer6898]

@@occckid123 Awesome. I definitely missed that but am glad he included it. I’m 6’6”, my wife’s 6’ and my kids are both going to be taller than us. It’s an important feature for us.

[@raiseup151z]

@@edwardzdankiewicz9068 I am in Virginia and bought 2021 Sienna XLE and it has the power inverter. 1 in the trunk and 1 in the moddle

[@lindalee1743]

This was the perfect review of the "off road" AWD capability. I took my family of 6 on a road trip through national parks (Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, S. Dakota, Oklahoma, S. Carolina etc.) on our FWD 2001 Honda Odyssey. We went on a few dirt unpaved mountain trails and did fine. I will be upgrading in the near future and was impressed by the Sienna's 35/36 MPG (vs ~22-24 mpgs from the competitors) and AWD capability. That mpg makes a huge difference when you are traveling on a 5,000+ mile road trip. Having AWD will also bring better traction control. Can't wait to see the woodland version with more height.

[@meenam300zx]

If you do long drives and have to drive a Japanese car, Honda's seats are much better than Toyota. Take it from me as we own 4 Toyotas (all Limited), one 2020 Honda CRV EX and the family favorite 2016 Volvo XC60 which is my favorite for long vacations. No one makes a better seat in the world than Volvo.

[@plmn93]

If you're only getting 22-24 on your trips with the Odyssey, you aren't going to get 35-36 with the Sienna.

[@plmn93]

@@meenam300zx Our Town and Country is weird. When you first get in it doesn't seem very comfortable. The driving position feels kind of awkward and the legroom isn't great. But I've driven it to both sides of the country and over those kind of multi day trips it's the most comfortable vehicle I've ever driven. After 10 years of faithful service it's time to replace it and although I do like the new Pacifica the combination of AWD and Hybrid is hard to beat.

[@calebjc]

Thumbs up. My only suggestion would be that when reviewing family cars like this do a test with all seats full of people in town and on the highway to see how passengers experience is.

[@bikleBen]

I've been waiting for you guys to review one of these!!!

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Thanks for the hill climb. This kind of thing was exactly what I wanted to see so thumbs-up!

[@DL.8798]

Great realistic and only video test I've ever seen of the Toyota Sienna!

[@pigybak]

like the way you testing the AWD. other car reviews never leave the pavement.

[@mattl5238]

Like to see that sidewall on a new car, looks a little out of place these days but so much better for everyday driving…and off-road

[@PatrickRich]

You know what? Im impressed. Toyota seems to have stepped up their game in terms of programing their hybrid AWD.

[@jeepindave5464]

Yeah i saw a highlander hybrid test a few years ago and it look pretty miserable.

[@tylernewberry1848]

I already have my AWD Sienna Platinum on order, but I'm so glad you made this video. I'm looking forward to some light off-road camping with the family and this definitely put me at a little more ease about it. Maybe we'll be able to go more places than I previously thought.

[@tony7044]

Just got my 21 Sienna last week. Throwing a 3" lift on it in 2 weeks, can't wait! Definitely not planning to climb rocks, but don't want to worry about scraping on dirt roads on blm land.

[@tylernewberry1848]

@@tony7044 I saw the 3" lift from journeys off-road, I definitely want to do that eventually, it's too inexpensive not to do that.

[@tony7044]

@@tylernewberry1848 Exactly! Getting mine installed by journeys at their shop. Can't wait! Van will look so much better afterwards, too 😂

[@jonnietronik]

How long is the wait?

[@eddstarr2185]

You may a well admit it Ryan, between Caffe Ladro and an AWD Toyota Sienna hybrid that made the hill climb . . . Life is Good! 👍

[@paulc2548]

LOL, the search engine is so slow it is like watching the grass grows... Every time, I watch the Sienna's review, I never stop wishing they offer a V6 :). Great review as always, I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@thewanderingmariner]

Great video! I have had my 2021 Sienna for 6 months and have already placed 15,000 miles on it! I am pleased with the performance, but the noise from the engine in acceleration does suck. Otherwise, great vehicle. I use the sienna for deliveries and do a lot of city driving. I have averaged 40-41 MPG! 😁😁😁 Again, great... honest.... and on point review.

[@mnelson505]

Any regrets with the sienna so far? I'm debating between it and the Odyssey.

[@hassankhan]

@@mnelson505 Did you decided which one to buy? I'm thinking what if there will be a 2023 Sienna AWD Prime Hybrid (meaning first 50 miles on pure electric like a prius?)

[@verynick]

This hybrid system (2.5 liter) is considered one of the best system on the market! And its transmission is the most reliable. I don’t understand why he mentioned it makes engine noise all the time. Like when you step on the gas? It only does that when you step on it which is 10% of the time. But you’d get the best MPG 100% of the time though

[@bvkcars8349]

This was very enjoyable to watch

[@bobwatson8754]

We bought one about 6 weeks ago (after waiting a couple months for it to be built). The mileage is important on long drives, but Midwest winter snows on gravel roads made AWD the clincher.

[@CmanCorporations]

How has your sienna proven this winter?

[@bobwatson8754]

@@CmanCorporations Excellent. I drove into Chicago yesterday after freezing rain and sleet. The first several miles were on country and secondary roads, with hills. The Sienna had no issues.

[@scottmcbride4652]

I plan on buying this exact van and doing a light conversion to make it into an adventure/camping van. There is a 2” and 3” lift available for the van which after watching this video I think the 2” is fine. Thanks for the detailed review. I live in the same town.

[@hrnkrks1]

Just to support you, I watched whole video with ads because you drove your car on tough pavement and thought u got got some little damage. I am also putting this comment to support you,mate.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, While it is true the Sienna is no longer as 'badass' as other minivans, I think the 35 (AWD) mpg achieved while mall crawling is worth the tradeoff. The retention of the 3,500 lbs tow capacity proves how much useful torque those electric motors provide at the same time they are doubling city fuel efficiency. Finally, your hill climb really leads to the question of why doesn't Toyota simply put more powerful electric motors on the rear axle of their AWD Hybrids?

[@ppmnox]

more powerful motors, given the same relative efficiency, requires bigger, heavier batteries. as the efficiency of both increases I expect each to become more powerful.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@ppmnox While more power is always nice, what I was trying to suggest is that Toyota might simply direct a higher percentage of existing electric power towards the back axle to create more of a RWD bias. As it is, the latest generation of their AWD Hybrid system as seen in the RAV4, Highlander and Sienna is still pretty impressive.

[@chubbysumo2230]

@@rightlanehog3151 its still a 60hp/99tq motor, and there is no getting around that rating. also, remember, if its sending power to the rear, it cannot send it to the front, or its robbing power from the eCVT(acts as a generator when its less than a 1:1). If they sent more of the 243 combined HP to the rear, then there would be less for the front.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

To replace my 2005 Sienna still runs great at 325K miles without any major repairs I got the 4th generation Sienna hybrid and very impressed with its handsome style, great MPG, safety features (Toyota Safety Sense), and seamlessly hybrid system make city driving a pleasure experience, although I wish Toyota had kept the seats and seat fabrics same as the older 2005 model.

[@SIGINT007]

Huh. Now I want to see the lifted version…not too shabby.

[@papayamango7507]

I honestly was thinking that it could have made it up, but with LOTS of struggle. And I was SO wrong. I am super impressed. Good job Toyota! The reason that you said you did this was actually a pretty good reason.

[@RobBernhard]

The fact that you can't remove the middle seats is bizarre to me. In my mind it partially defeats the purpose of having a minivan in the first place.

[@RobBernhard]

@DavidRC thanks for the info. I did not realize they added seat air bags to the second row in addition to the existing curtains.

[@philklein2]

See Brad Ling youtube video about removing the seats. With lifted Woodland edition and superior AWD, sounds like great outdoor campervan vehicle.

[@luperon]

@@philklein2 superior awd? How, only because of slight increase in clearance?

[@joshuakurian5994]

U could remove the seats in the 2011-2020 model sienna

[@Savethemanuals94]

New car equipped with AWD Driving sports TV : aight, Imma take this bad boy off-roading

[@toronado455]

That's true.

[@handsomefarid]

I recently bought one! Just an amazing vehicle 🚗 the best I have ever owned. Toyota really nailed it.

[@warhmonger]

Mind blown.. I thought it fail the climb.. Let's Go Places!

[@garthlocklin6355]

I'm glad you showed the off road test as all of us Prius owners who camp off road in FWD models (some w/a lift kit) dream of a hybrid Sienna; Carvana has a used XLE one with 12K miles for $49,000 right now. Their prices are HIGH! I would change the tires and I can't wait to see the Woodland edition either but it's no Jeep. Great to sleep in a climate controlled hybrid car that's easy on gas.

[@DROC9169]

I have been looking forward to this video since you took the photo of the Sienna on rocks! Thank you. I wonder what downhill would have been like if you use the adaptive cruise control and set it to 5 mph.

[@dinkata2005]

This was actually super impressive given that it's a massive van and has only Toyota's rather weak hybrid AWD. One thing Ryan is completely wrong about is the gearbox. The eCVT of the HSD system has nothing to do with a normal CVT - it uses neither a torque converter, nor chain/belt drive. It is, though, quite good for low speed crawling.

[@gavo901]

Very well done, good to see a wide variety of testing performed in your channel, good job

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

I have a 2011 sienna XLE AWD that has the 3.5 inch Journey's offroad lift on it. 2 things to expect after the 13 hour install. 1 the change in permanent new position of rear drive shaft drive shaft results in a more advanced failure of the 800 dollar driveshaft and 2. you will get that somewhat common lifted suv phenomenon from front cv shafts causing some very subtle vibration only at take off speed, 0 to 15 mph ish. Which seems to have decreased as the new orientation has worn them it to that position. Other than that im happy with my non hybrid Sienna, that is now a light duty overlander. Cheers

[@wudaniel9867]

actually I did this before used my 17 sienna 2WD. It made it. so happy to have one.

[@joskjj3625]

This minivan has seen more off-road then most crossover suvs

[@PWCDN]

Crossovers larger than a Rav4 are so pointless, its really a vanity vehicle. Either get this for cargo/passengers or a 4runner if you're doing off-road. Cross overs do neither.

[@civicsi411]

And some trucks 😂

[@joskjj3625]

@@civicsi411 I disagree I see more trucks off-road than most suvs, infact every truck I see is either towing trailers or hauling heavy payload in the back,every time it’s snows it’s always a truck I see plowing the snow, I don’t see suvs doing that hard work, suvs are the new minivans because all I see them do is haul kids, trucks however are different, most trucks I see are either towing trailers or hauling heavy payload, I don’t know where everyone is seeing trucks as “pavement princess” when most of the time it’s suvs that never touch dirt, I have to admit I’ve seen some trucks that are lifted with skinny tires but that’s so rare because most of the time I see trucks are being abused, I rarely see an suv being used for towing

[@evgeniylukashov3575]

Best vehicle for big family! Car of my dream! 😋

[@0HOON0]

With the emissions of a compact!

[@evgeniylukashov3575]

@@0HOON0 🌳🌲☺️👍

[@tsizzle]

The best thing about this Sienna is the storage shelf for the front passenger and driver and the nice mpg being a hybrid. The question is this or the Carnival, Odyssey or Pacifica?

[@PeppersGhost55]

Sienna FTW

[@jeepindave5464]

Carnival looks the best. Terrible mpg Pacifica the gold standard, but its chysler Odyssey had a lot of complaints most dated Its a tough choice which is exciting the mini vans are making a come back.

[@joshuakurian5994]

Carnival definitely.

[@sunnyw4040]

Cool video! Very informative. Thanks!

[@tony7044]

I wonder why Toyota decided to give this such low ground clearance, especially with that long wheelbase. I have a '21 Sienna and opted for an aftermarket 3" lift. No more scraping the nose or tail on modest hill approaches, doors don't hit the curb when swung open, and it just looks so much better. I'm very happy with it sitting higher and still getting 34 mpg.

[@eddleman72]

I think it would be clearer to distinguish that Toyota hybrid drive which you refer to as a "CVT" is in fact their "Hybrid Synergy Drive" system with 2 electric motors and the engine coupled together through a planetary gear set. Planetary gear sets in the early days were referred to sum and difference engines. The HSD system varys the speeds that the electric motors spin (in relation to engine speed to provide the variable ratios.. The term "CVT" most commonly refers to transmissions that use a belt and variable pulleys to change ratios. The CVTs (variable pulley/belt drive) in terms of torque capability and overheating limitations from the tests I viewed are more limited compared to the 2 oil cooled electric motors/planetary gear set can accomplish.... I think you would find spending time in discussion with one of Toyota's hybrid drive train engineers enlightening on the topic. Update.. just saw iwfur25 comments below saying the same thing! Do your homework and stop calling Toyota's HSD drivetrain a "CVT"!

[@toronado455]

I think the reason the media is always calling it "CVT" is because Toyota themselves calls it a "ECVT". But I agree they should just call it a planetary gear set.

[@jaredbryant8297]

The Siennas thing is us fanboys….we’re love this van religiously!! It’s just so dang reliable I mean the eCVT…not CVT like you said… is crazy reliable.

[@muhamadAdzhanphuong]

thank God i already swap my odyssey to 2022 sienna i love it!!

[@americandude3825]

Just reserved a 22 sienna XLE AWD and a 22 RAV4 XSE Two different dealers. Both msrp. Should be within 4 weeks delivery for both.

[@tasparling]

Dude! I love that you did that. Don't apologize for doing cool shit.

[@johndorrell1]

Those who are ignorant about Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and Toyota hybrids, like you, should not be spreading misinformation as you do in this video. The Sienna, like all hybrid Toyotas, does indeed combine the ICE gas engine power with not one, but two electric motors in the eCVT transmission. The third electric motor in the rear is how Toyota has chosen to provide AWD capability, in lieu of the more traditional transfer case and drive shaft from the front to the rear. The presence of the third electric motor in the rear for AWD does make the Hybrid Synergy Drive an "assist hybrid system" as you so mistakenly call it.

[@drivingsports]

It sounds to me like you didn’t actually watch the video. Or at least you didn’t understand it. Any system that is not AWD all the time is an “assist system.” One of the electric motors in the transmission is solely for generating power. It provides no drive. So we don’t really talk about it much because it’s like getting excited over an alternator.

[@jayken772]

Thank you for taking this on a trail!

[@eramg6324]

Ur a champ! Who else would take a sienna off road. Great review!

[@pauldallas5730]

If you are surprised, then you probably haven't seen minivans in colorado. They go everywhere.

[@spencjon4822]

There's a 3" lift kit available for this. That seems sort of perfect. Over 30mpg with AWD and that much space? Camping in that would be great.

[@gglen2141]

Minivans are the bomb. I have a JDM Nissan Serena and LOVE it. It's the swiss army knife of vehicles. You can carry anything and do anything. Sleep in it, nap in it. Dad naps while killing an hour while your kids in swim class. Check. My personal favorite party trick is you can walk a full size mountain bike right into the back. So you can drive half way into town, park in a shopping center and ride the rest of the way. Healthy and cheap. It has Lame-O 15" rims, which are very much NOT lame-o when it come time to buy new tires. 15" rubber is pretty much free. Try that with your 19" pimp rims.

[@TwistedAkimoto]

I think the sienna Woodland version will be a top seller and might beat out some suv as well.

[@carlosrivera7274]

I hope Toyota don’t watch KZbin! That’s why you are the best👍🏼👍🏼(Carnival next)

[@j3badger1]

Say what you want, but one big thing I appreciate about the Sienna is the ground clearance at 6.4 inches. In this video he says its not great but consider this. Honda Odyseey ground clearance is 4.5, and the Pacifica is also less than the Sienna at 5.6! I found out the hard way how my wife was ruining our front bumper on our Odyssey. With that lower clearance in many cases you cant fully clear a parking stop and curbs, so it rubs more and break tabs. Ugh just the worst. It isn't uncommon either on vans. Take notice on the road, and there are a lot of vans that have broken or jacked up front bumpers. And yes I know the best thing to do is just be more cautious but it is what it is. The Kia carnival is the only common van that is higher that I noticed but only marginally so at 6.8. But then you are not get an as reliabel drivetrain.

[@mrsteve4313]

Would love to see the Pacifica AWD on some of your dirt road areas.

[@ilyazlatkovsky1138]

Great video! Did you end up doing a woodland edition version?

[@drivingsports]

Haven't seen one yet.

[@andychang7137]

this is an important but yet crazy test for a minivan very nice and thanks.

[@unlogical2188]

No way, he actually listened to the comments saying "do it with the sienna", and he did it!

[@sarrum7696]

I don’t think that was insane. I could easily imagine the road to a camp site being like that. I do agree with what you said, the 17” wheels are key. I wouldn’t even attempt it in 20”.

[@nwsvndr]

So the AWD all have 17"? Some models also have 18"?

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@nwsvndr The base model is best because it has smallest wheels and a bench with 3 seats in the 2nd row.

[@dayvancowboy]

Yay, I've been waiting for this!! Who is the person driving by with sunglasses at 17:04, because it does not look like you Ryan

[@Daonhon]

Been watching your videos for more than 10 years, Ryan. Been very impressed by your detailed review, tests you conduct, quality of videos, and the pace. Coincidentally I am working to move my family to Seattle. I hope I can see you live taping your reviews.

[@relmdrifter]

Toyota teased a Sienna built on the Tacoma chassis .... I want one.

[@jeffhayden2737]

Excellent off road test, really appreciate that

[@bc4198]

Recipe for Sienna's success: 1. AWD with modern traction control 2. Tires of modern minivans are >= the classic SUVs that set all of our expectations for off-road worthiness. 80s-90s Jeeps, S-10s, Rangers, Bronco IIs, Suzukis... all had smaller tires than new "emasculated" minivans. 3. Longer wheelbase means less angle affect / reaction to bumps, so being so long it is way more stable than most vehicles people expect to do well in the dirt.

[@CC-kr2fs]

Awsome, thanks for showing people what we want to see.

[@freytheviking]

Amazing video. Answered all my questions about the AWD and whether or not it’s worth it.

[@diaperdood1]

For longevity and repairs. Do u think the awd will last long and cost more to repair than the fwd? Can you still get by with a fwd on snowy conditions?

[@aaronmauer7225]

Just got this van. Wife loves it

[@DiscosVideos]

How well do you think this AWD would do with the 3.5” lift and some bigger tires? I wish Toyota would do a TRD offroad Sienna or maybe Honda do a Trail Sport lifted Odyssey. I want a mini van 4Runner

[@DaddyDan77]

I know I'm late to comment but this is the most fascinating video I've watched on KZbin in many moons. It makes me wonder what would happen if I hooned an AWD Sienna around a skidpad.

[@ericwilson5203]

There are 2 big cons/questions I don’t see anyone talking about 1) how much can the 2nd and 3rd rows recline? 2) why is there no dvd/Blu-ray player in the rear entertainment ?

[@OriginFiliam]

1) 2nd row goes back pretty far and 3rd little to none 2) no one uses a DVD/BlueRays anymore

[@brickboys7375]

I'm trying to find good reviews on the engine compared to a V6, and it seems like it will be fine, but most of the reviews aren't great. Like this guy is the engine whines, I'd get a Honda Odyssey.

[@FantomLightning]

I've been very dismissive of Toyotas EAWD system simply because I can't get over how stupid it is to go for an undersized rear electric motor versus one that can put something more like 50%+ of the power to the rear. However I'm very impressed with the system in this and what appears to be far better software tuning in the Sienna than other models. Considering the physical AWD Pacifica couldn't pass a roller test I'm very impressed with this.

[@meenam300zx]

But Pacifica has several advantages, much better and comfortable seats for long drives, stow away second seat which will instantly turn Pacifica to a cargo van or easy conversion to RV. With 2021 Toyota, they have air bags on the second row seats and very difficult to remove them. If you do remove them, Toyota voids your entire car warranty.

[@steveh8724]

@@meenam300zx Yes, but if you live in an area with 4 seasons and hills, you really want 4WD. And Chrysler abandoned that years ago for their fold-away 2nd row seating. And therefore I abandoned Chrysler. So for me, looks like I'll be going to Sienna Hybrid after totaling my 2019 with a solid deer hit that blew all the airbags.

[@chubbysumo2230]

@@meenam300zx toyota cannot void your entire warranty because you removed the seats, that is literally against the law. look up the magnuson-moss warranty act. I removed my mid row seats to use my sienna for delivery full time, and the dealer that was working on it up until its 125k mileage cut didn't say one word about voiding my warranty because the seats weren't in it. they would have to prove how my removing the seats caused whatever issue was presenting(in my case, it was bad alignment due to a bad bushing). yea, we have consumer protection laws for that.

[@metalman69201]

Journeys Off-Road makes a 3-inch lift kit for this 2021 Sienna hybrid. I will definitely be lifting mine!

[@dayvancowboy]

I'd much rather have this with AWD and hybrid gas mileage than an Odyssey with the conventional gearbox and louder V6

[@alittlepreachy]

Im glad you did this. I need a vehicle with a lot of space for kids, able to go on adventures and has good gas milage since it will be our only vehicle.

[@gregoryforrest8970]

I am just wondering how well or unwell it would ride up that rocky road fully loaded with passengers and some extra cargo, do that test and let's see how this vehicle performs.

[@iduimovic]

Nice review, but I have to say Mini Van are a downer and should only be on the road for the specific use of bussing lots of people around. Now that dog pop color on a Mini Van it is the Cherry on top to make you run away from it.

[@MechayaAlta]

I hope the woodland edition will have removable second row seats.

[@JimmyT89]

I'll go crazy with that navigation

[@tmanhang]

Just here to compliment the shirt. Plus I may be buying a van in the future so this is informative. Thank you sir!