By connecting to one of the seven USB ports distributed across the three rows, passengers may use their phones and tablets without worrying about their batteries.
In This Article...
How many USB ports are available on a 2021 Toyota Sienna?
Despite all of their benefitssliding doors, simple entry and exit thanks to a low floor, and plenty of space for passengers and cargominivans have historically struggled with fuel efficiency.
Most people get rather bad gas mileage, especially while driving in stop-and-go traffic, which most parents of young children do frequently.
Three years ago, FCA introduced the plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica in response to the needs of the soccer practice and school drop-off lines, and now Toyota is introducing a hybrid-only Sienna for the van’s facelift in ’21. Yes, a hybrid is the only available powerplant if you want a Sienna.
You may describe it as a hazardous decision, but thanks to the Prius, which was introduced 20 years ago, Toyota leads the world in sales of hybrid vehicles. Toyota is the only company that has a customer base open to such a strategy.
A hybrid family-hauler, however, might not be to everyone’s taste. Later, more on that.
The outside of a minivan is typically the least interesting element, but our test model from the ’21 Platinum AWD was an attractive dark metallic green color that attracts attention.
The Sienna’s sheet metal isn’t as lean as the Pacifica’s, and the enormous grille that has become synonymous with Toyota (divided in this car into a narrow upper grille and a huge lower grille) continues to divide opinion. However, we give this van a solid B overall for appearance.
A minivan must shine inside, and the Sienna doesn’t fall short in this aspect.
The interior of our test vehicle is appealing, primarily brown with accents of ivory and black. A simulated wood film on the instrument panel and doors, rubberized bins and pads with the same engraved wood pattern, a dimpled soft substance covering some of the brown steering wheel, and the huge B-pillar mounted grip bars in the second row are some of the design flourishes.
While the Sienna doesn’t provide many novel features compared to current competition minivans, it does include a vacuum cleaner and a cooler/fridge. However, Toyota says that these features won’t be available in early builds because of a supplier issue.
The unique center console in the Sienna includes six cupholders and extensive storage in addition to housing the stated cooler and a portion of the vacuum, but it protrudes into the second row and takes up valuable space. Although it has several uses, we anticipate that its mostly plastic sides will quickly become scuffed due to the incursion into the footwell.
When we initially try to remove the lid of the console box by gripping the armrests, the console flows into a box with fixed armrests on the borders, throwing us for a curve.
Under the console, gearshift, and exposed cupholders, there is a sizable room for a handbag or bag (two more cupholders up front are hidden in a lidded bin). The console’s front resembles more of a shelf that is hanging from the instrument panel.
The entire IP features layered layers and a powerful horizontal layout. There isn’t really a central stack; instead, there is a cluster of HVAC buttons surrounded by vents, with a 9-inch (23-cm) touchscreen mounted above it.
Up front, there is a wireless phone charger, a 12V outlet, and a USB port. Inside the middle box, there are two additional USB ports, one of which is USB-C.
The console’s rear also features two USB ports, one of which is USB-C, along with a 120V AC outlet, so there are certainly plenty of locations to charge electronic devices.
There is a little console that resembles a tray between the second row of seats. In addition to six cupholders, second-row passengers also have access to pockets on the rear of the front seats for storage (two on the center console, two in each side door pocket and two each in the form of nets attached to their seats).
There are three third-row seats, each of which has two built-in cupholders; one pair of USB ports is located on the passenger side.
With decent legroom in the third row and adequate legroom in rows one and two (apart from the middle console intrusion), all three rows are comfortable. Although the second-row seats slide and recline for added comfort, the footrestthe absolute must-haveis absent. However, in the front-wheel-drive Limited and Platinum grades, ottomans are on second-row captain’s chairs.
Because of the limited window glass in the third row, especially with the sunshades provided by the Platinum grade, there is a slight feeling of claustrophobia.
Third-row seats in the 60/40 configuration must be collapsed into the floor in a few steps using ribbons and levers (pictured below). Although it’s not too difficult, it seems unusual that a Platinum trim level doesn’t have a power-fold option. We are unable to secure the collapsible third row chairs into the bin, so they stay loose and bouncy.
However, like other minivans, it is expected that children, not adults, will be seated in the third row, therefore our adult feet get trapped when we try to leave the area. Second-row seats can partially fold up to improve floor room for entry and exit from the third row.
Materials range in quality. Although the second-row seat levers look and feel like cheap, hard plastic, the soft-touch upper front doors, dimpled grab bars, and circular-knit headliner are excellent.
With the exception of the seek/track buttons on the touchscreen’s right and the sliding door shut and open buttons on the interior B-pillars, most controls are within easy reach. They are often located high above, but due to the enormous grab bars, they have been moved down low, making them difficult to locate on a chilly, windy day.
The 2.5L Dynamic Force gasoline 4-cyl. engine from Toyota powers a number of other models, including hybrid versions of the Avalon, Camry, RAV4, and Highlander. It comes standard with a sizable drive motor, a 134 kW (180 hp) permanent magnet synchronous motor with 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque. There is an extra rear motor producing 40 kW (54 hp) and 89 lb.-ft. of torque in AWD Siennas like our test vehicle (120 Nm).
The combined net output is 245 horsepower, which is less than the 3.5L V-6 of the previous Sienna’s 296 hp.
The hybrid system is excellent for commuting because the engine’s low-end torque, which is 176 lb.-ft. (239 Nm) at 4,400 rpm, is respectable. Although electric motors have rapid torque, as is the case with the majority of Toyota hybrid vehicles, driving entirely on electric power (also known as in electric mode) is only feasible at speeds under about 25 mph (40 km/h). However, when we drive in Eco mode, which is the majority of the time, motors do add extra torque.
The drivetrain in the Sienna drones noticeably while accelerating and traveling at higher speeds, though vibration isn’t as bad as it has been in prior Toyota hybrids with CVTs. This might not be the car for you if you find engine noise to be grating and don’t want to switch on the radio to drown it out.
We do award the Sienna five stars for its ability to reduce wind noise, though. In spite of wind gusts over 30 mph (48 km/h) outside our car, it is completely silent inside.
We continue to believe that switching to a hybrid-only powertrain is the appropriate choice since throughout our test drive, which largely takes place on streets traveling at speeds around 30 mph (48 km/h), we experience exceptional fuel economy.
Our 2-day test drive ended with an average fuel economy of 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km), with a peak of 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km). Even though it falls short of the predicted 35 mpg (6.7 l/100 km) combined average for an AWD grade, it still performs better than non-hybrid minivans.
Our Sienna is fully equipped with modern infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Adaptive cruise control unexpectedly speeds our Sienna toward a stopped automobile at a red light after giving us an almost flawless performance all afternoon long delaying and stopping us behind traffic. As soon as possible, we step in (keep in mind that this is “help technologyplease stay attentive”) and apply the brakes, assuming that the bright sun and the silver paint on the car front of us interfered with cameras and sensors.
Less surprising are the lane-departure and lane-tracing features, which frequently miss and identify lane lines while occasionally bringing us too close.
The gauge-cluster menu allows you to change the sensitivity and alert types for the majority of ADAS features.
The majority of the time, infotainment functions effectively. Voice recognition performance is great when it comes to radio stations and areas of interest, but it occasionally has trouble with one residential address.
Due to the lack of a wire, we decide against using the conventional Apple CarPlay, but Bluetooth keeps us going till we discover one. As Bluetooth is found under the Setup menu rather than the Projection or Phone menu as one might anticipate, Toyota’s infotainment interfaces continue to befuddle users.
What is the 2016 Toyota Sienna’s USB port count?
The Sienna has five standard USB ports dispersed over all three rows in addition to features like Toyota Entune for your infotainment needs and optional smartphone compatibility with features like Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlayTM.
In a 2016 Toyota Sienna, where are the USB ports?
With onboard vacuums, connectivity capabilities targeted at gadget-happy families, high-res displays, trick folding seats, and similar amenities, the minivan is more advanced than it has ever been. All of these features compete for your family-hauling dollars. Unfortunately, Toyota’s Sienna lacks several of the features seen in some more modern vans.
For instance, the outdated Sienna only has one HDMI input and one USB connector, both of which are in the front row. Additionally, there is no option for in-car WiFi. All three rows of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica are equipped with six USB ports, two HDMI connectors are designated for second-row passengers, and Wi-Fi is also available. The front center console of the Toyota is immovable (presumably because of the 120-volt AC plug positioned on its back face) and not very adaptable. The Honda Odyssey has a detachable console with a trash-bag ring that opens and closes. The Chrysler and the Honda can both be ordered with an onboard vacuum cleaner, but the Sienna doesn’t have one on its list of available features. You also presumably already know that, other from Chrysler, who offers Stow ‘n Go seats, neither the Sienna nor any of its rivals have second-row seats that fold into the floor.
On my Toyota Sienna from 2021, how do I view movies?
With the help of the Miracast app, you may send content from an Android or Windows device to a receiving device, such as the entertainment system inside the 2021 Toyota Sienna. On the entertainment system remote, locate and click the Miracast button. The device name is displayed on the screen.
Has a DVD player been installed in the 2022 Sienna?
When I made the decision to check out the rear entertainment system on the 2022 Sienna, I raced outside to get a DVD from my not-all-that-extensive library in the hopes that I could sit back and enjoy it. I got into the Sienna, got it going, and headed towards the second-row seats. I looked more closely and saw that I had nowhere to put my favourite DVD.
A 110-volt outlet and an HDMI input connection are both present. This system is obviously designed to work with gaming consoles, DVD players, and other devices that have HDMI ports. Unfortunately, I had nothing to use, so I attempted wirelessly connecting my iPhone to the machine.
Why won’t my phone’s USB connection work with my car?
To fix the problem with your car stereo, follow these procedures. Not all car stereo receivers support USB. For information specific to your model, consult your handbook.
- Remove the USB device and then re-insert it if the device isn’t recognized.
- Before connecting your device to the car stereo, make sure it is in the appropriate mode.
- Before you may utilize a USB device for playback, it may need to be in a particular mode (such as a Mass Storage Class or Player class, etc.).
- For more details, consult the USB device’s specifications or get in touch with the maker.
If the NO DEV or No Device error message displays, do the following actions as necessary:
- If a USB device is attached:
- After about a minute, disconnect the USB cord from the car stereo.
- The car stereo’s USB cord needs to be reconnected.
- If a USB device is not connected:
- Wait about a minute after turning off the car stereo before turning it back on.
- Activate the auto stereo.
- Refer to this article if the NO SUPPORT, NO SUPRT, or : error message appears.
Observation: If you own an RSX-GS9:
- Examine the USB device’s system requirements and make sure it is functioning properly.
- Verify that the USB device’s root directory contains a Music folder and that the folder contains files that can be played back (excluding iPhone mobile devices and iPod digital music players).
Why won’t my car’s USB port power up my phone?
In the center console of my 2015 Mazda3, just below the stereo, is a USB port.
It is quite nicely situated. Put your phone in the car’s charging port, turn the key (or rather, hit the button), and you’re ready to go.
The connector is actually useless because it only provides around half an amp of charging power, which is insufficient for me to fully charge my phone. The power runs out even more quickly when I start using the GPS when I’m driving. I might as well not even charge the phone.
For comparison, both Samsung’s wireless charger and the portable adaptor I’m using with the incredible Galaxy S8 offer 2.0 amps. Similar power requirements applied to the S7. A few years ago, even the Galaxy S6 adaptor could only produce 0.7A.
Every time I go in the car, I whine about that stupid USB port (my wife loves travelling with me these days). However, Mazda is hardly alone in this. Most cars only have a few USB ports, according to mobile accessory manufacturer Ventev, which is insufficient for our requirements.
Although they appear to be a useful feature, your car’s USB ports frequently don’t supply enough power to allow you to charge your device while using it. As a result, your phone will need power more quickly than the automobile USB port can give it, the business claimed in a recent blog post. Instead, they frequently just decrease the rate at which your battery drains. Ventev continued that higher powered USB ports are starting to appear inside cars, although these occurrences are still rather uncommon. One Acura model, which promises 2.4 amps on its USB ports and can easily charge your phone, is the sole known exception.
How-to We measured several automobiles with a USB voltage/amperage meter and discovered that the data connector in the dashtypically used to connect a USB drive or phone to play musicoffered a very weak 0.5A output. Geek corroborated that discovery. While that will power your USB drive filled with MP3s, it won’t even be close to being able to maintain the battery level on an iPhone. It’s doubtful that you’ll even charge your phone more quickly than it consumes if you’re using it for navigation, a renowned battery hog.
A decade ago, when I had a USB stick with all of my MP3 music on it, USB ports intended for data transfer were merely utilitarian. (Yes, FLAC files were not used back then; I instead used MP3s. I don’t feel guilty!) But thanks to the development of streaming music, today’s phones do so much more, and few current music fans still rely on MP3. Why on earth do automakers make our lives so difficult, then?
I asked Mazda the following query since I wanted an answer: Power up? (Sorry.) Why wouldn’t you include enough power in this port’s design? Isn’t this use case for charging phones very simple? Do you despise me?
The manufacturer stated that their port only produces 500mA of current and that it performs all of its intended functions.
According to Mazda’s HMI and infotainment engineer Matthew Valbuena, the 500mA current limit for USB 1.0 and 2.0 devices is the official worldwide charging/power output specification.
Mazda Connect makes use of the USB 2.0 protocol, and as a result, each USB port in our system can deliver 500mA of current for charging.
Additionally, Valbuena mentioned that a USB port will deliver 1A of electricity when an Apple device is connected (a strange requirement set forth by Apple certification).
The Mazda Connect USB ports won’t be able to fully charge the Galaxy S8’s battery to overcome the drain that the phone’s processes are causing, the expert continued. “At rest, the system should provide enough current to charge the Galaxy S8, but if the phone is actively used (navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, calling, etc.), they won’t be able to do so.
Regardless of what the engineers say, the ports in my car don’t even provide enough electricity to charge my phone while it is at rest.
The problem is that Mazda and the majority of other automakers rely on a specification that is manifestly inadequate for current demands and was finalized in April 2000. If you go further, you’ll see that the USB Implementers Forum, the organization in charge of maintaining the USB 2.0 specification, has added to and extended it over time.
The Battery Charging Specification 1.2, published in 2010, is noteworthy because it established a distinction between regular ports for information transfer and “Charging Ports,” allowing devices attached to those ports to draw up to 1.5 amps (and mandates that they can handle even higher currents). Mazda is therefore technically correct, but give me a charging port already!
Anyone with a computer will notice that there is a more recent option, which has the same capacity for powering our devices and additionally faster transfer rates.
However, bear in mind that USB 3.0 was developed earlier than the present age as well2008, to be precise. Nowadays, we rely on our cellphones for, um, everything Valbuena mentioned earlier, so having an aftermarket car charger is practically a need. Where can you plug it in to provide your devices the power they so sorely need?
The 12 Volt cigarette lighter is the de facto electrical connector in your car (here are some of the best chargers we’ve found), which feels nearly exactly like looking in the closet for the projector to show slides of your most recent vacation. Lighters for cigarettes are obsolete. It’s 2017. Why can’t we improve? High-powered USB ports are a good start, but I’m hoping my next car’s center console will include an inductive charging panel or bucket.
However, the panel only functions with a select few phones, most notably NOT with the Galaxy S7, S8, Note 5, and 7. GM offers wireless charging on a select few vehicles, most notably the 2016 and newer GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL. Apple users also have no luck. The business cautions that the iPhone 6 Plus and 7 Plus are overly large. So, yes, pick your phone carefully, I suppose.
Along with Toyota, several businesses have jumped on the inductive charging bandwagon. The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime offers it as an option.
Do reliable charging and wireless charging qualify as essential features? Still not. However, do I consider it every time I connect my phone to the cigarette lighter in my car? You are absolutely correct.