Toyota is preparing to launch a redesigned version of its popular minivan, the Sienna, in North America. At the same time, there’s growing speculation about the potential return of the Estima, which was discontinued in the Japanese market in 2019. Since the Sienna was once sold in Japan under the Estima name, there are increasing rumors that Toyota may reintroduce the Sienna to the Japanese market.
Could the Estima Make a Comeback?
The Toyota Estima, beloved in Japan since the 1990s, was a market leader known for its unique design and efficient use of interior space. However, in 2019, due to stricter emission regulations and declining demand, the Estima was discontinued, leaving many fans disappointed. While it was discontinued in Japan, the Estima continued to thrive in North America under the Sienna name.
The Sienna’s popularity surged with the launch of the 4th-generation model in 2020, which offered a hybrid powertrain and a luxurious interior. This has led to growing calls from Japanese consumers for Toyota to reimport the Sienna. With the 5th generation model on the horizon, the likelihood of a Japanese re-release is increasing. Given the Estima’s legacy, it’s expected that the new Sienna, if reintroduced in Japan, could be seen as a natural successor to the Estima.
Will the Sienna’s Size and Safety Features Appeal to Japan?
The current Sienna is a large minivan, measuring 5,180 mm (203.9 inches) in length, 1,990 mm (78.3 inches) in width, and 1,780 mm (70.1 inches) in height. These dimensions make it larger than the Alphard, a flagship minivan in Japan, and it boasts a more imposing presence. With the increasing demand for larger minivans in Japan, the Sienna could be well-positioned to compete in the market.
The new Sienna has been significantly upgraded in terms of safety. It now features an “Advanced Rear Seat Reminder” function that can detect rear-seat passengers even in low-light environments or when the engine is off. Additional safety enhancements include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Regarding the powertrain, Toyota is considering offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicle (BEV) versions alongside the existing 2.5L hybrid system. This shift toward more eco-friendly cars could make the Sienna a competitive option in Japan, where the transition to green vehicles is accelerating.
Looking Ahead
The new Sienna is expected to debut globally in 2026. While it is being developed primarily for the North American market, whether Toyota will introduce it in Japan will depend on consumer demand and the company’s broader strategy. It remains to be seen whether the Sienna will once again hit the roads of Japan, but the possibility of it becoming the Estima’s successor is certainly on the horizon.
