The Toyota Sienta III 1.5 Hybrid E-Four E-CVT 7 Seat is a compact minivan primarily designed for the Asian market, particularly Japan and Indonesia. Introduced in August 2022, the third generation Sienta represents a significant evolution in design and technology, focusing on practicality, fuel efficiency, and family-oriented features. While not officially sold in the United States, the Sienta occupies a niche segment – a small, versatile, and economical people carrier – that is popular in densely populated urban areas. This generation builds upon the Sienta’s reputation for maximizing interior space within a relatively small footprint, offering seating for up to seven passengers. The “E-Four” designation indicates an all-wheel-drive system utilizing Toyota’s hybrid technology.
Toyota Sienta III: A Detailed Overview
The Sienta has always been positioned as a unique offering within Toyota’s lineup. The first and second generations, while not exported to North America, were successful in Asian markets due to their clever packaging and affordability. The third generation Sienta takes this further, incorporating a more modern aesthetic, improved fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain, and enhanced safety features. It’s a vehicle designed to address the needs of families seeking a practical and efficient mode of transportation in urban environments. The E-Four variant adds all-wheel drive capability, enhancing stability and traction in various weather conditions.
Engine & Performance
The Toyota Sienta III 1.5 Hybrid E-Four is powered by a 1.5-liter, inline-three cylinder gasoline engine (model M15A-FXE) producing 91 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 120 Nm (88.51 lb-ft) of torque between 3800-4800 rpm. This engine is coupled with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) architecture. The electric motor contributes an additional 80 horsepower and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque, with a smaller secondary electric motor at the rear axle adding 3 horsepower and 44 Nm (32.45 lb-ft) of torque. The combined system output is 116 horsepower. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). This configuration allows for efficient operation, with the ability to run on electric power alone under certain conditions. The weight-to-power ratio is 12.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 11.7 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is a key strength, achieving approximately 58.4 US mpg (4.03 l/100 km) on a combined cycle.
Design & Features
The Sienta III features a distinctive minivan body style with a focus on maximizing interior space. It’s a five-door vehicle offering seating for seven passengers across three rows. The exterior design is more angular and modern compared to its predecessors, with a prominent front grille and sleek headlights. The interior is designed for practicality, with durable materials and a focus on ease of cleaning. Key features include a spacious cabin, flexible seating configurations, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. The E-Four all-wheel-drive system enhances stability and control, particularly in inclement weather. The vehicle’s compact dimensions (4260 mm long, 1695 mm wide, and 1715 mm high) make it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets. The Sienta also incorporates a Start & Stop system to further improve fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Sienta |
| Generation | Sienta III |
| Type | 1.5 (116 Hp) Hybrid E-Four E-CVT 7 Seat |
| Start of production | August, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 3.95 l/100 km (59.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.14 l/100 km (56.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.03 l/100 km (58.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11.7 kg/Nm |
| Battery technology | Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) |
| Electric motor power (primary) | 80 Hp |
| Electric motor torque (primary) | 141 Nm (104 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code (primary) | 1NM |
| Electric motor location (primary) | Integrated into the transmission |
| Electric motor type (primary) | Synchronous |
| Electric motor power (secondary) | 3 Hp |
| Electric motor torque (secondary) | 44 Nm (32.45 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code (secondary) | 1NM |
| Electric motor location (secondary) | Rear, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (secondary) | Asynchronous |
| System power | 116 Hp |
| Engine Power | 91 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 120 Nm @ 3800-4800 rpm (88.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M15A-FXE |
| Engine displacement | 1490 cm3 (90.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 97.6 mm (3.84 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | VVT |
| Kerb Weight | 1400-1420 kg (3086.47 – 3130.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1805 kg (3979.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 385-405 kg (848.78 – 892.87 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 4260 mm (167.72 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Rear track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels, electric motors drive front and rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | E-CVT automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
The Toyota Sienta III 1.5 Hybrid E-Four E-CVT 7 Seat represents a compelling option for families seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and versatile minivan, particularly in markets where compact dimensions and hybrid technology are highly valued. While not available in the US, it showcases Toyota’s commitment to innovative and space-efficient vehicle design.
