Friday, November 13, 2020

2021 Land Rover Discovery Overview: Powertrains, Tech Features, Pricing & Other New Changes

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is refreshed and ready to roll for the new model year. Updates include new styling and tech features, plus an updated wearable Activity Key (what will they think of next?). If you’ve got your eyes on a 2021 Land Rover Discovery, we will take a few moments here to go over all the important details.

Engine & Powertrain

The trim levels of the 2021 Discovery are arranged according to the engine and powertrain offerings. The 2.0L S and the 2.0L S R-Dynamic both come with a 2.0-liter I4 engine with 296 horsepower. The 3.0L S R-Dynamic and 3.0L HSE R-Dynamic will feature a 3.0-liter turbo I6 with 355 horsepower. The I6 engine also employs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Although it will have a higher MSRP, the 3.0-liter I6 is appealing for how it uses a range of sensors to split torque between the front and rear axles more strategically. This type of feature is excellent for off-roading or when the weather gets bad. Furthermore, the I6 offers a max towing capacity of 8,200 lbs. when properly equipped.

Land Rover’s Electric Vehicle Architecture (you might see it written sometimes as “EVA 2.0”) underpins the 2021 Discovery. The platform provides an electrical architecture for the numerous tech and connectivity features and serves as a rigid backbone for towing and off-roading.

“The new Discovery combines superb all-terrain suspension geometry with rewarding dynamics and excellent body control, while maintaining our family SUV’s famed ride quality and comfort,” said Mike Cross, Land Rover Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity. “With a state-of-the-art suspension design, lightweight aluminum architecture, and intelligent drivetrains, we’ve retuned the car to deliver a seven-seat SUV that is hugely versatile, highly capable, incredibly refined, yet more engaging to drive.”

2021 Land Rover Discovery fording water.
The new Wade Mode helps optimize the 2021 Land Rover Discovery for water fording. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Exterior Styling & Design

LED headlights and daytime running lights complement a revised front bumper and new side vents. Signature LED taillights and gloss black paneling adorn the rear of the 2021 Discovery. Meanwhile, the R-Dynamic model is more pronounced with its Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents and two-tone leather with contrast stitching on the inside.

Tech & Connectivity Features

The list of tech features is everything you would expect, and maybe even a little more this time around. Land Rover says the Pivi Pro infotainment system has a new simplified menu and more immediate response times, even when the Discovery is first started. Two LTE modems are embedded within the vehicle to allow for multimedia streaming and over-the-air updates.

With the help of an interactive display, drivers can take advantage of things like high-definition 3D maps within the instrumentation, leaving the central touchscreen free to control other applications. All digital instrumentation can be configured to show a pair of conventional dials, full-screen 3D navigation guidance, or a combination of the two. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity are standard. A color heads-up display is optional.

2021 Jaguar Land Rover interior layout.
The redesigned center console houses a 48 percent larger 11.4-inch, full HD touchscreen. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

2021 Land Rover Discovery Interior

The 2021 Discovery provides a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot that can accommodate eight devices, USB-A charging ports, and tablet holders for rear passengers. The relocation of the second-row air-vents from the B-pillars to the center console creates more airflow while a cabin air ionizer is optional. The redesigned second-row seats with thicker cushions provide improved lateral and thigh support, a nice touch for those longer trips.

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is as versatile and flexible as they come. The hands-free Gesture Tailgate is nice when you’re carrying a large box or bags of groceries. Just walk up, wave your foot under the rear bumper, and away you go. Once the tailgate is up, drivers can secure their cargo with the inner tailgate restraints. If you need more room, drop down the second and third rows. When folded, the new Discovery offers 74.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

And the new Land Rover Activity Key is also available! The waterproof digital watch can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle just like the conventional fob. Although it’s from a few years ago, Land Rover UK provides a handy tutorial in the video below.

Pricing & Release Date

The 2021 Discovery starts at $53,900 for the 2.0L S, while the 2.0L S R-Dynamic begins at $56,400. The 3.0L S R-Dynamic begins at $61,900, and the 3.0L HSE R-Dynamic starts at $68,900. Expect the new Land Rover Discovery to arrive by the end of 2020.

2021 Land Rover Discovery Warranty

Land Rover offers one comprehensive extended warranty with term limits up to 10 years or 150,000 miles, depending on vehicle model and age. Rather than have a separate bumper-to-bumper warranty and powertrain warranty, Land Rover wraps both into one plan. There is currently just one Land Rover extended warranty plan, which is outlined in this helpful guide

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

2021 Land Rover Discovery Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

Original article: 2021 Land Rover Discovery Overview: Powertrains, Tech Features, Pricing & Other New Changes



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Thursday, November 12, 2020

2021 Acura NSX Now Available In a Cool Long Beach Blue Color

This would be one of those perfect cars for a Californa pleasure cruise, especially in Long Beach Blue. A reimagined version of this sleek color will be available for the 2021 Acura NSX. Dedicated fans might recall Long Beach Blue from the first-gen NSX palette, though it was rare even then. During the four model years it was available (2002 to 2005), Long Beach Blue was only applied to 88 NSX cars.

A Fitting Tribute

The cool blue paint will serve as a nod to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, of which Acura is the title sponsor. Likewise, the name Long Beach Blue follows Acura’s tradition of naming NSX colors after famous racetracks and corners.

In 2019, Acura entered into a multi-year agreement with the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach to become title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. That same year, Acura set a new production car record of 1:35.663 around the famed street circuit in a factory-spec 2019 Acura NSX.

2021 Acura NSX in Long Beach Blue.
2021 Acura NSX in Long Beach Blue. Photo: Acura.

2021 Acura NSX Engine & Powertrain

The new Acura NSX employs a bespoke Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain consisting of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, three electric motors, and a wet multi-plate limited-slip differential. Every NSX is built to exacting standards at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. In addition to the detailed powertrain, the NSX is defined by its rigid, multi-material body and aluminum-intensive space frame.

Other Available Colors & Cost

The 2021 Acura NSX has three classifications of paint, which are as follows:

  • Standard Colors: 130R White, Curva Red, Berlina Black.
  • Premium Colors: Long Beach Blue Pearl, Indy Yellow Pearl, Thermal Orange Metallic, Source Silver, Casino White Pearl.
  • Andaro Colors: Valencia Red Pearl, Nouvelle Blue Pearl.

Premium colors run another $1,000, while the Andaro colors add $6,000 to the MSRP. There is no additional cost for the standard colors. Incidentally, Thermal Orange is the signature color of the 2021 RDX PMC Edition

2021 Acura NSX engine.
Photo: Acura.

2021 Acura NSX Pricing

The new NSX starts at $157,500 with an additional fee of $1,995 for destination and handling. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in early 2021.

NSX buyers can pick between Continental SportContact 6 or Pirelli Trofeo R tires for an extra $1,500. Iron rotors are standard, although carbon-ceramic units are available starting at $9,900. An ELS Studio audio system, satellite navigation, and proximity sensors are standard. Buyers can add an interior carbon fiber sport package for an additional $3,800.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: Acura.

Original article: 2021 Acura NSX Now Available In a Cool Long Beach Blue Color



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Is the Jaguar Extended Warranty Worth It? (2020)

  • The Jaguar extended warranty combines powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage.
  • Based on the manufacturer’s reliability ratings, extended warranty coverage is worth considering.
  • Compare our top recommended providers to the Jaguar extended warranty to find the best option for your vehicle.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Jaguar owners know how expensive it can be to maintain and repair a luxury vehicle. Is a Jaguar extended warranty the key to saving money on your annual repair bill?

In this article, we’ll go over the ins and outs of the Jaguar extended warranty, including coverage details and estimated costs. Additionally, we’ll discuss reliability ratings for the brand as well as Jaguar’s factory and certified pre-owned warranties.

We’ll also introduce you to some of the best extended car warranty providers that cover luxury vehicles like Jaguars. It’s best practice to compare multiple quotes across providers so that you can get the best deal. You start getting free, personalized quotes from a few of our top picks by clicking below.

Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 
Best Overall Best for Older Vehicles Best Prices
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Jaguar Extended Warranty Highlights

The Jaguar extended warranty, called the Jaguar Vehicle Protection Plan, provides comprehensive coverage after your 5-year/60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty expires. Term limits can vary, but the maximum extended warranty term is 100,000 miles from the in-service date.

Rather than offer a separate powertrain warranty and bumper-to-bumper warranty, Jaguar has rolled these protections into one vehicle service contract. The following vehicle components are protected against mechanical and electrical damage under Jaguar’s extended warranty:

  • Clutch
  • Engine
  • Steering
  • Gearbox
  • Propshaft
  • Suspension
  • Fuel system
  • Starter motor
  • Brake system
  • Air conditioning
  • Electronic ignition
  • Catalytic converter
  • Infotainment system
  • Electrical components
  • Powertrain control unit
  • Axles and transfer box
  • Engine cooling system
  • Diesel injection system
  • Turbocharger/Supercharger
  • Four-wheel-drive transmission
  • Manual or automatic transmission

The Jaguar extended warranty comes in a few different term limits, but the maximum coverage length extends up to 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date.

Repairs covered under the Jaguar extended warranty are guaranteed to be made by factory-trained technicians using genuine replacement parts.

Additional Perks

The perks included with Jaguar Vehicle Protection Plan are limited, especially compared to other luxury brands’ added benefits. The manufacturer mentions a travel protection benefit, but information on its cost limits and other details are not publicly available. You’ll need to contact your local authorized Jaguar retailer for more information.

The Jaguar extended warranty also comes with an optional Jaguar Assistance plan that provides 24-hour roadside assistance in the event of a mechanical breakdown. However, you’ll need to pay extra for this service.

What’s Not Covered Under the Jaguar Extended Warranty?

While Jaguar offers complimentary maintenance coverage for new vehicles as part of its Passport to Service program, this service is not included with extended warranty coverage.

Additionally, Jaguar extended warranty coverage does not cover the following:

  • Batteries
  • Bulbs and fuses
  • Exhaust systems
  • Pre-existing issues
  • Hinges and strikers
  • Wear-and-tear parts
  • Environmental damages
  • Routine maintenance services
  • Any non-factory-installed parts
  • Deterioration as a result of normal aging
  • Electrical software updates or reprogramming
  • Damage resulting from improper maintenance
  • Damage resulting from theft, rioting, or looting
  • Damage resulting from collisions, misuse, or neglect
  • Wheels, tires, valves, and any wheel-related services
  • Damage resulting from improper or contaminated fuel

Before signing on the dotted line, make sure to review your extended warranty contract from Jaguar carefully. You don’t want to assume a component is covered only to later find out you’re on your own to pay for a repair.

A Jaguar extended warranty can also only be purchased for vehicles that have at least 30 days and 1,000 miles of New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage remaining.

Do You Need Jaguar Extended Warranty Coverage?

The cost-effectiveness of Jaguar’s extended warranty depends on a few factors. If you own a highly reliable Jaguar and have little reservation about paying for repairs out of pocket, you can probably skip extended warranty coverage. However, drivers looking for more peace of mind on the road or who want to budget for unexpected repairs may benefit from the extra coverage.

Vehicle reliability plays a big part in whether a vehicle service contract is financially practical. We use RepairPal to estimate a manufacturer’s overall reliability and to get a better sense of what a car’s repairs may cost.

Here’s a breakdown of RepairPal’s average ratings across Jaguar models:

RepairPal Factor Jaguar Average Average Across All Brands
Overall Reliability Rating 2.5 out of 5.0
Average Annual Repair Cost $1,123 $652
Repair Frequency 0.6 times per year 0.4 times per year
Chance of a Severe Repair* 14 percent 12 percent

*A severe repair, in this case, means it will cost at least three times the average annual repair cost.

Jaguar ranked 29th out of the 32 car brands rated by RepairPal. Based on RepairPal’s data, it’s worth looking into an extended warranty for your Jaguar.

You may also want to consider the coverage you already have. If you don’t plan on owning your Jaguar for longer than the 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, called Jaguar EliteCare, there’s little sense in investing in an extended warranty plan. This factory warranty includes powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage, as well as complimentary maintenance services and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Similarly, the certified pre-owned (CPO) Jaguar warranty includes 7 years/100,000 miles of coverage, beginning at the vehicle’s in-service date. While the CPO warranty does not include maintenance services, it does offer a roadside assistance program.

Cost of the Jaguar Extended Warranty

Although Jaguar does not advertise extended warranty pricing, we were able to find a few reviews in which customers reported paying between $5,000 and $6,000 for a maximum-length warranty. However, the cost of your Jaguar extended warranty will vary depending on the model you drive, how old your vehicle is, and a few other factors.

All Jaguar extended warranties come with two deductibles that you’ll need to pay out of pocket when your vehicle is repaired. If you go to a local Jaguar dealership, you’ll only pay a $100 deductible. If you opt for a different repair facility, you’ll pay a $250 deductible.

Benefits of a Third-Party Jaguar Extended Warranty

Going through the manufacturer isn’t the only option for Jaguar extended warranty coverage. You can also purchase a vehicle service contract for a third-party provider. However, there are pros and cons of extended car warranties from either option.

Here are a few benefits of choosing a reputable third-party warranty provider over Jaguar’s manufacturer-backed coverage:

  • Each provider offers more than one coverage plan to choose from.
  • You can purchase coverage at any time rather than needing to opt in before your limited warranty period expires.
  • Plans come with perks like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and travel interruption coverage without an additional charge.

For drivers looking for a third-party Jaguar extended warranty, we recommend Endurance and CARCHEX.

Endurance: Best Overall

Endurance works with customers directly rather than through an administrator or other middleman, which streamlines the quotes and claims processes. The company offers five coverage plans with term limits up to 15 years or 200,000 miles – double that of the manufacturer-backed Jaguar extended warranty. Endurance is available in all U.S. states except California.

For more information, read our full Endurance warranty review. You can also click below to receive a free, personalized quote from the provider.

Best Overall

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CARCHEX: Best for Older Vehicles

If you own Jaguar that’s more than a few model years old, you’re probably no longer eligible for the Jaguar extended warranty. In this case, we recommend reaching out to CARCHEX. Backed by industry experts like CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and RepairPal, CARCHEX has been a leader in the car warranty industry for over 20 years. The provider offers five coverage plans with term limits up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Read our CARCHEX review for more details about the provider’s coverage plans, costs, and added benefits. If you’d like to get a free, non-committal quote from CARCHEX, you can do so below. 

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Original article: Is the Jaguar Extended Warranty Worth It? (2020)



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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

2021 Toyota Sienna Overview: Trim Levels, Tech & Safety Features, Pricing & More

The word “swagger” isn’t one that leaps to mind when you hear the term minivan, but Toyota hopes its just-announced 2021 Sienna changes that. Perhaps Toyota coined the term “swagger wagon” to wipe away reminders that minivan sales are in the dumpster, and many reviewers contend Sienna rates way behind the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Sedona.

Sure, Toyota has top sales with many models, including Camry, RAV4,  and Prius. Still, the Sienna minivan is consistently bested by the Honda Odyssey in several reviews and surveys, including a recent MotorTrend review. They note the Odyssey has better legroom, better crash test performance, better cargo space, better acceleration, better fuel economy – the list of “betters” goes on. That’s not to say the Sienna had no pluses. It has a base model that comes with an array of standard safety features, a rarity for the budget-conscious minivan shopper, noted MotorTrend.

That’s something. But not enough. Toyota is usually the one leading the pack, not an also-ran. This fourth-generation Sienna, which is just now rolling into showrooms, is designed to change that. This is the model’s first full overhaul in a decade, and Toyota went all out, especially with its hybrid-only powertrain.

2021 Toyota Sienna.
2021 Toyota Sienna. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Are Minivans Going Away?

Minivan sales dropped 37 percent in the first three quarters of 2020, according to an analysis at CarSalesBase.com. In fact, minivans are now only 1.9 percent of the overall car market. Compare that to the 47.4 percent of SUV sales in 2019, said Tom Libby, automotive analyst at IHS Markit, as quoted in the New York Times. Libby also predicted SUVs, vans, and pickups, which make up seven percent of the current market, will total 78.5 percent in 2025.

And, who’s going to buy a minivan? Sure, it appeals to many segments, but the Gen X and Millennial crowds (i.e., parents of young kids) are the likely buyers. Yet those demographics often bypass minivans for sedans while members of Generation Z might be more likely to go for a small SUV. Still, Millennials plan to keep their new vehicles for just about five years (think, “once the kids are older”). Once that time is up, some of their most significant concerns are with a given vehicle’s environmental impact, features, and tech.

And this is where Toyota is likely trying to go with the 2021 Sienna.

In what we imagine is a “no vehicle in our lineup gets left behind” mindset, Toyota has reworked the Sienna, so it has a shot at the blue ribbon. “This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform,” said Sienna Chief Engineer Monte Kaehr. “The development of the fourth generation Sienna was a huge undertaking but we always worked towards one single mission – to make the best van yet.”

2021 Toyota Sienna.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Sienna: What’s New for 2021

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is all about personalization and having lots of features at your disposal. Consider this brief rundown of standard features for each trim level, which we grabbed from this more detailed PDF document. The MSRP figures below include the additional $1,175 for destination and handling.

Sienna LE

Powertrain & Starting MSRP

  • FWD 8-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($35,635)
  • AWD 8-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($37,635)

Outside: LED headlights and daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED taillights, black grille, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, dual power sliding side doors, power lift-gate with jam protection, and 17-inch alloy wheels with P235/65R17 tires.

Inside: Three-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, second-row bench for eight-passenger seating with stowable center seat, and a stowable third row.

Sienna XLE

Powertrain & Starting MSRP

  • FWD 8-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($40,925)
  • FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($40,925)
  • AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT (49,925)

Outside: LED headlights and daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black grille, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, hands-free dual power sliding side doors, liftgate with jam protection, and 17-inch alloy wheels with P235/65R17 tires.

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Softex heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power
lumbar support, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, Softex second-row bench to accommodate eight passengers with a stowable center seat, and a stowable third row.

2021 Toyota Sienna XLE.
2021 Toyota Sienna XLE. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sienna XSE

Powertrain & MSRP

  • FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($43,175)
  • AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($43,935)

Outside: LED headlights and LED strip daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black side rocker panels, sporty black mesh front grille, black heated power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, hands-free dual power sliding side doors, liftgate with jam protection, 18-inch wheels (AWD) or 20-inch wheels (FWD).

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Driver Easy Speak system, SofTex sport-trimmed heated front seats with seatback pockets, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, SofTex sport-trimmed second-row captain’s chairs with super-long-slide feature (that extends to the dashboard), and a stowable third row.

2021 Toyota Sienna XSE in Ruby Red Flare Pearl.
2021 Toyota Sienna XSE in Ruby Red Flare Pearl. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sienna Limited

Powertrain & MSRP

  • FWD 7-passenger Hybrid CVT ($48,875)
  • AWD 7-passenger Hybrid CVT ($49,675)

Outside: LED headlights and LED strip daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black side rocker panels, chrome roof rails, and color-keyed heated power auto-dimming outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators. The outside mirrors have puddle lights, a power-fold feature, and tilt downward when the Sienna is put into reverse. The Limited also comes with 18-inch wheels with P235/60R18 tires.

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Driver Easy Speak system, wireless charging, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with seatback pockets, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar and driver memory function, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, second-row captains’ chairs with super long slide feature (that extends to the dashboard) and ottomans, stowable third row, and second- and third-row sunshades.

2021 Toyota Sienna Limited.
2021 Toyota Sienna Limited. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sienna Platinum

Powertrain & MSRP

  • FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($51,075)
  • AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($51,635)

Outside: Signature bi-LED projector headlights and LED strip daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black side rocker panels, dark gray metallic grille, chrome roof rails, hands-free dual power sliding side doors, liftgate with jam protection, bird’s eye view camera features, and 20-inch wheels for front-wheel drive models.

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Driver Easy Speak system, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with seatback pockets, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar and driver memory functions, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated leather-trimmed second-row-seat captain’s chairs with long-slide feature (to the dashboard), and a stowable third row.

2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum.
2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Essential Foundations

The iconic Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train was the inspiration for the 2021 Toyota Sienna and its body, especially at the front. There you’ll find a lower grille with high-tech LED fog lights in the corners. The shoulder-themed design, muscular wheels arches, and a sculpted body erase the boxy minivan look.

Underneath, however, this new Sienna shares the automaker’s TNGA-K platform, which also underpins its Highlander and RAV4 SUVs. That gives the Sienna a 1.2 inch longer wheelbase and allowed for a new multi-link rear suspension. According to Toyota, the TNGA-K platform makes the Sienna “library quiet,” thanks to additional sound insulation, body sealant, and other measures to reduce vibrations in the vehicle’s floor.

2021 Toyota Sienna: Engine & Powertrain

The big news, though, is how the 2021 Toyota Sienna is only available as a hybrid. The high efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine delivers 245 horsepower. The 1.9-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery is under the front seats, so you don’t have anything hindering cargo space at the back of the Sienna. Most importantly, as Toyota notes, the hybrid battery pack does not need to be recharged. Thus, there is no need to invest in a charger for your home. The Toyota Hybrid System II charges the battery automatically as you drive.

Toyota says the gas engine’s 41 percent greater thermal efficiency, one of the highest of any internal combustion automobile engines on the market (minus other Toyota hybrids), will interest gearheads who are looking at the Sienna for a family vehicle. The gas engine has Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump and electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump further improve efficiency.

Drivers can monitor the hybrid system via the seven-inch multi-information display. The display shows system output and regeneration status. It also targets optimal acceleration amounts for eco-driving.

Is The 2021 Toyota Sienna All-Wheel Drive?

While front-wheel drive is available, Toyota continues its long tradition of offering the Sienna with all-wheel drive. The “Electric On-Demand” system eliminates the heavy transfer case and driveshaft and uses a separate electric motor to power the rear wheels. Toyota’s hybrid all-wheel drive system can send up to 80 percent of the available power to the rear wheels to prevent front-wheel slip, enhance cornering, and reduce understeer.

The percentage of torque distribution varies with conditions, which is indicated on the multi-information display.

 2021 Toyota Sienna on the open road.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna is available with all-wheel drive. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Can I Tow With The 2021 Toyota Sienna?

Yes, but only up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

What Is The Gas Mileage?

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the front-wheel drive Sienna comes in at 36 across the board (city, highway, combined). All-wheel drive models vary slightly at 35/36 city/highway and 35 combined.

What Are The Tech & Connectivity Features?

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is loaded with all kinds of tech and connectivity features. Here is a detailed list.

  • Toyota Audio (standard on LE grade): includes a nine-inch touchscreen, six speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, seven USB ports, hands-free phone and music streaming via Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Safety Connect with one-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect with up to two GB within the three-month trial.
  • Toyota Audio Plus (standard for XLE, optional for LE): adds to the above: AM/FM/HD radio, eight speakers, Siri Eyes Free, Safety Connect with a three-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect powered by AT&T (up to two GB within the six-month trial).
  • Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation (standard on XSE): adds navigation to the Toyota Audio Plus system.
  • Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL Premium Audio (standard on Limited and Platinum, optional for XLE and XSE): adds 12 speakers including subwoofer and 1,200-watt amplification, plus Clari-Fi digital restoration technology to Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation.

Also available is a Driver Easy Speak system that lets parents communicate with their kids, no matter how far away they are sitting.

What Are The Safety Features?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2021 Sienna five stars overall but only four stars for side-impact and rollover. It was beaten by every other minivan except the Dodge Caravan. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of advanced safety features on the Sienna. The minivan is standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), a comprehensive packages that includes:

  • Road Sign Assist.
  • Lane Tracing Assist.
  • Lane departure alert with steering assist.
  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
  • A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
  • Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
  • The optional heads-up display will show TSS 2.0 functions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is also standard with 10 airbags throughout the interior. They are placed as follows:

  • Driver’s knee airbag.
  • Front-seat side airbags.
  • Passenger seat cushion airbag.
  • Rear outboard seat side airbags.
  • Driver and front passenger airbags.
  • Side curtain airbags for all three rows.

Drivers also have the option for a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan that provides a 360-degree view so a driver can see around the immediate area. This is helpful when you are trying to maneuver through busy parking lots or live in a neighborhood with families and kids.

2021 Toyota Sienna interior layout.
Beneath the center console “bridge” is an open area for a purse or small gym bag. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

2021 Toyota Sienna Interior Configurations

Like they did with the exterior styling, Toyota says they wanted to get away from the bus-like feel associated with minivans. As such, the design team went to work on the interior, making sure to include helpful things like cupholders (up to 16 of them!), wireless charging, and plenty of extra storage. A power moonroof is available for the LE but standard on every other trim level.

The Sienna LE and some XLE models come in eight-seat configurations with a stowable middle seat. Some XLE models, as well as the XSE, Limited, and Platinum are seven-seaters, featuring the Super Long Slide second-row captain’s chairs (with the Limited and Platinum FWD models equipped with ottomans). As for Super Long Slide, that means the second-row captain’s chairs move a total of 25 inches to provide extra legroom for high school kids who are growing taller by the minute.

Keep in mind, however, the captain’s chairs are not removable nor do they stow which will limit what you can carry in terms of cargo.

2021 Toyota Sienna Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for eight years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable to a new owner.

If you have more questions, or to determine if you need additional coverage, see our free and helpful guide to Toyota’s factory warranty.

Nancy Dunham is a life-long journalist whose work appears in many national automotive and general interest magazines and accompanying websites. Her dad was an executive with Western Auto Supply Co. (sold to Sears), so the smell of tires still brings back a flood of childhood memories. Favorite professional assignment: driving on the Texas Motor Speedway. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Prudence.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Original article: 2021 Toyota Sienna Overview: Trim Levels, Tech & Safety Features, Pricing & More



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