Toyota's new Sienna minivan will come with a 4 cylinder

[Daox]

Its about time. I'm not sure why all the automakers all went to V6 only minivans, but Toyota is bringing back the 4 cylinder. Unfortunately, its still not that fuel efficient. Their Rav4 still beats it by a fair margin at 22/28. Still, I guess its a step in the right direction. Now, we just need a hybrid with a ~2.0L atkinson.

3.5L 266 hp V6 = 18/24
2.7L 187 hp I4 = 19/26

LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna Premieres With New, Efficient 4-Cylinder Engine : Auto News

[NeilBlanchard]

2011 models arrive at dealers in February 2010? Only 11 months early?

How much does the new Sienna weigh?

[MetroMPG]

That's a big four.

I suppose one reason they haven't gambled with making a hybrid minivan is that it's a declining segment.

[user removed]

I liked the old T100 truck with the 4 cylinder engine which was also 2.7 liters I believe.

Sure you wont have the towing capacity of the V6 if that is significant for your situation.

No desire for any minivan (not really that mini anymore) and the wife hates them.

regards
Mech

[JonnyG]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

That's a big four.

I suppose one reason they haven't gambled with making a hybrid minivan is that it's a declining segment.

True. And even if they did try a hybrid minivan, the numbers wouldn't be very impressive.
For example, the Highlander Hybrid is only rated for 26 combined. One of my neighbors is a soccor mom who only gets 20 mpg out of a Highlander Hybrid.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I just remembered that the Toyota 2.4L 4 cylinder is the engine that ran over 300K miles on 3 different Toyota trucks that my brother and father-in-law have owned. I would imagine that the 2.7L is a very similar, very robust engine.

[wagonman76]

That 4 cylinder has more HP than the 3800 V6 in my Pontiac minivan. Wonder what the torque is, mine is 225 ft lbs. Mine tows pretty decent.

Unfortunately RV trailers have gone the way of vehicles as far as weight gain. The popup of today weighs as much or more than my 1989 16 ft hard sided travel trailer.

[99LeCouch]

Some folks may buy it. I bet Toyota's using the 4 to greenwash the Sienna, and that it will only be available on the base model.

[tasdrouille]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I suppose one reason they haven't gambled with making a hybrid minivan is that it's a declining segment.

Much to our dismay, the crossovers are taking over because no one wants to be associated with a minivan anymore. What sucks it that for the same utility, a crossover needs to be bigger, hence is inherently less efficient. I like the Mazda 5 very much, and I hope to see more vehicles like that in the future. The Ford C-Max looks like it has a promising future if fuel prices continue to rise.

[RobertSmalls]

Speaking of the Mazda5, the rumor mill says Toyota is considering offering a lineup of Prius-branded vehicles. These would include the Prius Coupe (a small, sporty car smaller than the Prius) and a Prius mini-minivan.

The current Sienna has 266HP? That's vulgar. I'm happy with 1/4 that much.