One of many core promoting factors of the 2023 Toyota Sienna is its hybrid powertrain. It boasts some superb gas economic system numbers, with our all-wheel-drive tester being rated at 35 mpg mixed (35 metropolis / 36 freeway). The one different all-wheel-drive possibility in the marketplace is the Pacifica, and one of the best you may anticipate there’s 25 mpg on the freeway. On our first tank of gas, we have come up a bit quick at 29.1 mpg, however that is nonetheless darn good for a van. Plus, I used to be seeing between 32 and 34 mpg on freeway stretches.
It is arduous to be mad on the Sienna’s powertrain, then. However whereas I am happy that our Sienna is getting good grades in economic system, I am unable to ignore the annoyance of making an attempt to get it up and going day by day. As has been the case with so many Toyota four-cylinders, it is loud and gradual. It is actually me once I was in highschool.
Hitting the throttle is like my mother telling me I am about to be late. The response: “UUUUUUGGGGHHHHHH!” And it is precisely that lengthy and drawn out due to the eCVT. The precise ahead movement is about as fast as me dragging my ft to the toilet to dress to go, too.
And primarily based on the economic system meter that charges your begins, this slowness most likely is not serving to gas economic system. These lengthy, deep throttle prods aren’t environment friendly, however crucial on speedy, busy Detroit roads.
It actually has me wishing that the Sienna had extra gutsy electrical motors and battery capability to shoulder extra of the load, or a pair additional cylinders to clean out the engine. Or each like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Certain it did not have all-wheel-drive, however that additional refinement and electrical capability was nice.
Nonetheless, when the report card comes again and also you see the Sienna has been fairly frugal on gas, you do find yourself smiling.
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