Toyota updates the Yaris for 2018.
Toyota will be going to extremes at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, unveiling updates to both its smallest entry into the U.S. market, as well as one of its biggest.
The update to the Toyota Sienna comes at a critical time, as the Japanese maker’s people-mover faces tough competition from two key competitors: the well-reviewed Chrysler Pacifica and the popular Honda Odyssey, both of which have undergone complete makeovers in the last year.
The Toyota Yaris, meanwhile, is playing in a segment that has lost significant momentum over the last several years as cheap gas has helped shift the U.S. market away from small passenger cars to larger crossovers and SUVs.
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Despite the competition, the Toyota Sienna has been the best-selling van in the U.S. for the past two years, and the Japanese giant wants to remain king of the people-mover hill. Built in the U.S. and available in both seven and eight-passenger configurations, the update coming to New York will be relatively modest, however, with a major refresh of Sienna still several years away.
The new 2018 Toyota Sienna gets some modest design tweaks - and new technology.
The van got an all-new, 296-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 for the 2017 model-year so, for MY ’18, the focus will be on technology, safety and, to a lesser degree, design tweaks.
Not surprisingly, for a vehicle aiming at safety-conscious family buyers, the 2018 Toyota Sienna will come with Toyota Safety Sense-P, a comprehensive package including Pre-Collision Warning with Passenger Detection, Dynamic Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams. A Bird’s Eye View monitor will be available on top-grade models.
On the convenience side, new standard technology will include Entune 3.0, the latest version of Toyota’s connectivity and infotainment system. Higher grade versions of the Sienna will now add a WiFi hotspot allowing up to five mobile devices to link to 4G LTE. The minivan also will get an updated rear seat entertainment system and five USB ports throughout the vehicle.
Tech updates included Toyota's new Entune 3.0 infotainment system and lots of USB ports.
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Styling updates are modest, starting with a new front fascia and lower grille, with new lower rockers added to give the van a more sporty appearance. Like key competitors Honda and Chrysler, Toyota has been searching for a way to give the Sienna a more sporty appearance that can broaden the vehicle’s appeal beyond the classic “soccer mom” segment of the market.
At the other end of the product segment, Toyota will also introduce the 2018 Yaris in New York. The subcompact hatchback, which is imported from France, has been struggling in a shrinking market ravaged by cheap gas prices. But the Japanese maker is convinced there’s still demand for Yaris from buyers on a budget.
The maker is looking to enhance the appeal of the five-door model by giving it a “sportier and more dynamic look for 2018.” Lower grades will receive a new front fascia and grille with chrome accents. The higher-level SE model will opt for a piano black mesh grille with chrome accents. The rear of all three grades also will be updated with new taillights and bumper.
Yaris also features an advanced safety package, albeit the less comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense-C. And the hatchback also will get an updated Entune infotainment system for the 2018 model-year.
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