You will not believe where Toyota decided to place the spare tire in its all-new 2021 Sienna. Clever. Very clever.
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So many things jump right out at you about the 2021 Toyota Sienna.
First, it is a hybrid. In fact, it is only a hybrid. Owners should really appreciate the gas mileage this Sienna Hybrid will bring them. Expect combined mpg in the 35-36 range. A major advantage here.
Next, there is plenty of room for up to eight passengers. The middle rows slide forward and backward up to 25 inches. This allows for great versatility and flexibility for both middle and third-row passengers.
I find the clever and storage-friendly new bridge deck quite impressive. Talk about a bold first impression. So many things stand out with this fourth generation 2021 Toyota Sienna.
One thing that does not necessarily jump out is the location of the spare tire.
2021 Toyota Sienna spare tire
Frankly, the spare tire is something we hope we never have to even think about with our vehicles. I mean, who wants a flat tire?
Fortunately, this does not occur very often at all for most drivers.
Although my younger sister did once have six flat tires in a single year. Long story. But I digress. Back to the original story.
The 2021 Sienna is offered in LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. All trims are available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
RELATED VIDEO: A friend of mine, Christina Banks who works at Fred Anderson Toyota in Raleigh, made a video showing the spare tire location and details. I thought it might help to add a visual to the topic.
Each trim level comes standard with a tire repair kit. No spare tire. However, for a minor $75 factory charge, a temporary spare tire can be added before leaving the manufacturing plant.
When you add the spare tire, it is not located where you think it might be located. It is not found under the Sienna as in previous years.
Rather, you will find it hiding vertically in the wall of the back cargo area. Out of the way. Like a hidden wall in a haunted mansion from a Scooby-Doo mystery.
Very clever engineering.
Time for your comments on 2021 Sienna
The only negative about the location of the spare tire involves the middle seat. This reserved cargo area cutout was previously used to store this removable middle seat in the second row.
Now for the many positives. I find the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna to ride smooth and comfortable. It is also quiet at both slower and highway cruising speeds.
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Plus, people will love that strong fuel efficiency. This just might be the ultimate family road trip vehicle.
What do you think of the new Toyota Sienna? Do you plan on visiting a dealership to test it for yourself?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss the 3 things that need to change for next-gen 2022 Toyota Tundra.
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The spare tire stored in the
The spare tire stored in the cargo area is not clever or innovative at all. Many car manufacturers have stored spare tires in similar locations over the years. My question is why did Toyota move it?
Probably the battery for the
Probably the battery for the hybrid is now under the van where tire used to be
Spare tire had to be moved,
Spare tire had to be moved, most likely new platform, leave room underbody for exhaust system, optional electric motor for AWD. Version Hybrid Battery under front seats.
I like the new location,
I like the new location, inside, clean and dry. Tires underneath get pretty gross in a short period of time.
That is a terrible place to
That is a terrible place to put the spare. What if you have the back loaded with stuff, like going on vacation, and you get a flat? You have to unload everyone to get to the spare. What if it’s raining? Save the $75 and get a AAA membership instead.
Mike you have never had a
Mike you have never had a flat going 65 mph obviously, most times the tire is ruined. AAA wont do much good if you dont have a spare!!!
The location is really really
The location is really really bad. Did they even think that once the tire is taken out driven on the road and put the dirty tire back there and internal AC circulates air that will carry particles from the tire in a closed environment. Unless there case that encloses the tire is air tight. I am not buying this model. This is a huge risk for kids/adults with allergies. I love the design, technology and spaciousness otherwise.
If you are so concerned then
If you are so concerned then hose off the tire after usage before putting it back in
You are asking me to hose it
You are asking me to hose it off in the middle of nowhere and if accidentally ran offer a skunk or armadillo? Seems very logical...
Middle of no where? I'm
Middle of no where? I'm pretty sure you will be at a garage getting your new regular tire installed when the spare is put back in the compartment. Ask the garage to clean it off before putting it back in. Industrial degreasers are a main stay in most garages, and up to date national chains like Discount Tire even have a machine that is made especially for bathing your wheels and removing everything from smell to stains to salt rust.
Are you a dunce? If their
Are you a dunce? If their full-size tire goes flat, they will possibly be in the middle of nowhere. At this point, they will have to move the spare tire onto the vehicle and the full size into the spare compartment. For someone who wants to base their argument on logic, you seem to be ignoring half the situation.
So let's recap: The concern
So let's recap: The concern is that in the off-chance that one runs over a skunk and blows a tire, said skunk juice will be all over your dirty, used, flat tire which you will promptly stow away in the spare tire compartment- I wonder if it will fit?
And that in turn the skunk aroma will waft through out the cabin due to the A/C potentially causing an allergic reaction to one of the occupants of the vehicle.
That particular scenario seems highly improbable. If you're looking to mitigate any such risk, I suggest not leaving the house.
They put it there because the
They put it there because the current AWD configuration does not have a spare tire. This way, I hope at least, all of their trims have a spare tire and you are not forced to run with their run flats which have been people's biggest complaint with the car.
I highly doubt you will be
I highly doubt you will be able to put the original tire that flatted in the cavity for the temporarly. The overall diameter may be the same but the original tire will be much wider in profile. Best to carry a large trash bag to house the flatted tire and keep in the rear well behind the last row of seats if concerned about grime and such.
the sienna we have does not
the sienna we have does not include a spare tire, why is that? It's a 2021 toyota sienna .