Did Toyota discontinue the Previa?
Yes. The Previa name is no longer used in Toyota's global lineup. The badge was phased out in major markets decades ago, and today Toyota markets minivans under other names such as Sienna in North America and Estima in Japan; in some regions related branding persists for other models, but the Previa designation itself is not current.
The question asks about the fate of the Previa and how Toyota’s current minivan lineup has evolved in different regions. The article below traces the model’s history, regional status, and what Toyota offers today in place of Previa.
A quick look back at the Previa's life
Key milestones illustrate how the Previa evolved and why the badge faded from the global market. The list below traces the main events and regional turns.
- Early 1990s: Toyota introduces the Previa in North America and other markets as a compact, front-wheel-drive minivan emphasizing interior space and flexible seating.
- Mid to late 1990s: In the United States, the Previa is succeeded by the Toyota Sienna, and the Previa badge gradually disappears from the U.S. lineup as Sienna becomes the mainstream minivan.
- Late 1990s to 2000s: In Japan and some export markets, the Estima remains the standard name for the Previa's closest sibling, with the Previa badge fading away in most regions.
- 2010s–present: Toyota consolidates its minivan strategy under Estima (Japan/Asia) and Sienna (North America), with other regional variants such as Granvia serving higher-end or differently sized van sectors; the Previa name is not used on current models.
In practice, the Previa name is effectively retired across Toyota's global lineup. The Estima line persists in Japan, and Sienna remains Toyota's flagship minivan in North America, while other markets follow their own branding for related vehicles.
What Toyota offers today instead of Previa
Toyota's current minivan lineup relies on region-specific branding. The most visible models today are:
- Sienna (North America): The current flagship minivan in the U.S. and Canada, introduced in its latest generation with a hybrid powertrain only, offering all-wheel drive as an option.
- Estima (Japan/Asia-Pacific): The Japanese-market minivan that continues to evolve across generations; it remains the direct successor to the Previa/Estima lineage in this region.
- Granvia (selected markets): A larger, more premium van built on a different platform and sold in some markets alongside Estima; it does not carry the Previa badge.
Bottom line: There is no current Toyota model named Previa in global markets. The brand has pivoted to Sienna, Estima, and Granvia to cover the minivan segment with updated design and technology.
Summary
The Previa name was phased out decades ago in most regions. Toyota now markets minivans under Sienna in North America and Estima in Japan, with Granvia serving as a premium option in some markets. For shoppers seeking a modern equivalent to the Previa, the closest options are the latest Estima and Sienna, depending on regional availability and needs.
Why did Toyota quit making the Venza?
Toyota stopped making the Venza due to a combination of declining sales, shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs with third-row seating or compact crossovers, and a strategic decision to focus on hybrid and electric vehicles. The introduction of the similar Toyota Crown Signia also created overlap and contributed to the Venza's discontinuation.
Key reasons for discontinuation
- Market and sales performance: The Venza's sales declined over time, and it faced tough competition in the crowded crossover market.
- Shifting consumer preferences: Buyers began preferring different types of vehicles, such as three-row SUVs, compact crossovers, and more heavily electrified options.
- Product lineup overlap: The Venza, particularly the newer hybrid model, overlapped with other models like the RAV4 Hybrid and was similar to the new Crown Signia, making its role in the lineup redundant.
- Strategic shift to electrification: Toyota is realigning its focus towards its lineup of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which influenced its decision to streamline its offerings.
- Introduction of the Toyota Crown Signia: The arrival of the new Crown Signia, a stylish midsize hybrid SUV, made the Venza's discontinuation a natural step, as both vehicles occupied a similar market space.
Did the Sienna replace the Previa?
Yes, the Toyota Sienna replaced the Previa in the North American market, with the Sienna launching in 1997 for the 1998 model year. The switch was made because the Previa's unique mid-engine design made it difficult to fit a more powerful V6 engine that competitors were offering, while the Sienna offered a conventional front-wheel-drive platform based on the Camry, making it more practical for the American market.
Key differences between the Previa and Sienna
- Previa:
- Unique mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
- "Egg-shaped" design.
- Sold in the U.S. until the 1997 model year.
- Later generations continued in other markets as the Estima.
- Sienna:
- Conventional front-wheel-drive platform based on the Camry.
- Launched in North America for the 1998 model year to replace the Previa.
- Initially featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
- Marketed as the "Camry of minivans," building on the Camry's success.
What happened to the Toyota Previa?
The United States version of the Previa was discontinued after the 1997 model year, replaced by the more traditionally designed, front-wheel drive, US-designed and built, Camry-based Sienna.
Does Toyota still make Previa?
According to a recent report from Japan's leading auto magazine, Best Car (via Forbes), the Toyota Previa will be revived in 2026. Known for its egg-shaped design, the Toyota Previa was sold in the US and overseas markets in the early 1990s.
