Toyota's plans for a hybrid van aren't clear. Earlier they were expected to bring out a hybrid version of the Sienna. But their timetable is fluid, and they are announcing models in response to a rapidly changing market.

image courtesy Toyota

In fact, Toyota has been selling hybrid vans in Japan since 2001. You can see what they are like:

Toyoa Estima Hybrid

Toyota Alphard Hybrid

Toyota has no plans to sell these models in the US.

Market research shows that people want hybrids in the type of vehicles that they already buy, such as vans, SUVs and more upscale cars. So a Sienna hybrid would probably be very popular.

updated Dec. 2006