2023 Toyota Sienta is the hybrid MPV we won't get in PH

Toyota is known for having a wide range of MPVs in the market. From the Avanza, Veloz, and the Innova, Toyota has a broad range of 7-seater (or 8-seater) MPVs available for the discerning Filipino with a big family.

Outside of the Philippines, Toyota also offers the Noah and the Voxy. With such a wide array of three-row MPVs, the automaker is not short on people carriers. Over in Japan, however, Toyota has another MPV that could make sense on Philippine roads.

This is the 2023 Toyota Sienta, a stylish and hip-looking MPV that combines practicality, spaciousness, and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The one we're looking at is the the third generation Sienta mini MPV which has just been revealed. This new model was made possible after the development team gathered customer feedback on how to improve the Sienta for its latest iteration.

Does it make sense if Toyota adapts this for other markets like the Philippines? The size seems to indicate so. The length and width of the 2023 Sienta were carried over from the previous generation model. However, the automaker increased its height by 20mm - resulting in more headroom for all three rows of seats. Toyota even redesigned the second-row seats to provide more legroom and headspace for the third-row occupants.

Aside from ensuring it has improved cabin space, Toyota also made sure the all-new Sienta looked good on the outside. Extensive use of large windows along with a horizontal beltline meant it offered good visibility while also showing off its sleek looks. It even gets rounded corners that make for a more compact appearance.

Hop inside the Sienta and you are greeted by a funky dashboard complete with a digital instrument panel, free-standing 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, and a plethora of cubby holes and storage bins. What makes it more convenient is its low flat floor which has been carried over from the previous generation. It even gets a power sliding rear door which makes for easier ingress or egress.

Powering the 2023 Sienta is a 1.5-liter Dynamic Force inline-four engine. It’s available either in naturally-aspirated form or as a hybrid that’s helped along by an electric motor. It is then mated to a CVT that drives the front wheels although an all-wheel drive (AWD) version is available on the hybrid. Toyota claims that the electrified Sienta can average over 18 km/l based on the WLTP cycle.

With the Sienta’s compact size, low flat floor, three rows of seats, as well as its fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, this mini MPV from Toyota looks like it could make sense here in the Philippines. It might not be as tall or as spacious as the Avanza, Veloz, or Innova, but it could prove popular with those who want a hybrid MPV that can seat 7 people with ease.