Toyota Sienna Hybrid

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan will be the first hybrid-powered minivan to hit the U. S. markets. The roll out date for the Sienna Hybrid, however, has not yet been announced. The Sienna Hybrid will most likely have the same powertrain as the Highlander Hybrid SUV instead of that used by the Estima Hybrid.

If this is the case, the Toyota Sienna Hybrid will boast a 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 gasoline engine combined with a high-torque electric engine delivering upwards of 270 hp. Fuel economy should be in the high 30's to low 40's, significantly above other standard minivans.

The Sienna Hybrid is likely to have a four-wheel drive system dubbed E-Four, which regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel propelled electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels.

Like the Toyota Estima, the Sienna Hybrid minivan it will also have an ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake system) for efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control and optimum management of the vehicle's regenerative brake system plus 1,500 watts of auxiliary 100-volt power available via electrical sockets. The Toyota Sienna Hybrid will also have an aerodynamic body design, insulated roof and an "intuitive" humidity-sensing air-conditioning system all meant for better fuel efficiency and low emissions standards.

The 1,500 watts of auxiliary power can be used to power appliances, laptops or for emergency use. While not the same gasoline-powered electrical generator as the Chevy Silverado Hybrid offers, the Toyota Sienna will function well for lighter use.