24 photos why the 2023 Toyota Sienta is peak Japanese lifestyle on wheels

Now in its third-generation, the Toyota Sienta has been redesigned from the ground-up, as it is now built on the tried-and-tested TNGA architecture, specifically the TNGA-B version. The TNGA-B architecture also underpins the European and Japanese Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross.

Like the previous generation Sienta, the all-new 2023 model also gets a range of 1.5-litre engines, but this time around, the new MPV is powered by Toyota’s Dynamic Force engines.

The naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre unit cranks out 120 PS and 145 Nm, while the petrol-electric hybrid does 91 PS and 120 Nm. The latter is aided by an electric motor that does 80 PS and 141 Nm. And for the first time ever, the Sienta gets an e-AWD option, in which the rear axle gets tiny 3 PS, 44 Nm motor.

As before, the only transmission option is a CVT transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. The hybrid variants get an E-CVT.

Keeping in-line with its Japanese roots, the interior of the all-new Sienta feels homely and welcoming. You won’t find bright contrasting colours here, only earthly tones that calms the occupants.

And keeping with the homely feel, you won’t find leather upholstery here; only fabric seats. Now, before you scoff, Toyota’s flagship model, the Toyota Century, also offers fabric seats.

Homely feel aside, the 2023 Sienta also gets thoughtfully-placed storage compartments, including pockets behind the driver seat for mobile devices.

Toyota offers two infotainment options with the all-new 2023 Sienta: a smaller 8.0-inch unit, as well as a larger 10.25-inch one. Both units support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Either way, the Sienta's built-in front and rear dashcams can output video feed to the infotainment system, something we wish to see offered on more cars in the future.

Slide open the handsfree power sliding door, it doesn’t take much effort to step into the cabin of the 2023 Sienta, as Toyota has maintained the 140 mm ground clearance. The distance between the ground and the cabin’s flat floor is maintained at 330 mm.

Toyota has also managed to increase the height of the power-sliding doors by 60 mm, now up to 1,200 mm. The height of the roof has also been increased by another 20 mm, easing ingress and egress for adults.

For those with active lifestyles, Toyota said that the tailgate's opening is now raised by 15 mm, while the luggage space loading height has also been increased by 20 mm for easier loading. So much so that a bicycle with 27-inch tires can be loaded without the handlebars getting stuck in the opening.

Like the previous-generation, Japanese-market Sienta, the shifter column is positioned on the dashboard, thus freeing up space between the two front seats. The empty space between the two front seats allow parents to attend to their toddlers at the back.

Prices in Japan start from JPY 1.95 million yen (~RM 63k) all the way to JPY 3.1 million (~RM 101k). Don’t hold your breath for the arrival of the all-new 2023 Sienta in Malaysia via official channels, as past experiences with the Honda Freed and previous generation Toyota Sienta have proved that these practical MPVs are not appreciated by buyers in this region (barring Singapore).

If you still insist on getting one, you may have to resort to contact a grey importer to bring one in.