Welcoming Our New Adventure Rig
Some chapters end with nostalgia. Others begin with excitement — the kind that comes when you realise you’ve finally found a vehicle that can carry two worlds at once.
After saying goodbye to our Opel Vivaro campervan and Suzuki Grand Vitara, we knew one thing: two adventure vehicles in one family is too much, but giving up either style of travelling felt wrong. We wanted the comfort, space and long‑distance practicality of the Vivaro, and at the same time the capability, simplicity and mechanical honesty of the Vitara.
And then came Georgia.
Watching locals drive their lifted, battered, fearless Toyotas — vans on all‑terrain tyres, minivans climbing gravel roads like it was nothing — something clicked. These weren’t showpieces. They were tools built for real life, real roads, real mountains. And among them, one model kept catching our eye: Toyota Sienna AWD.
Not a Delica (too old). Not a California (too VW). Something different — and exactly what we needed.
So here it is. Our new chapter: Toyota Sienna 2019, AWD, 3.5 V6.
Why the Sienna?
Because it merges both worlds.
Because it’s a minivan that behaves like a soft‑roader. Because it’s comfortable enough for long journeys, yet strong enough to climb gravel passes. Because it’s powered by a simple, naturally aspirated 3.5‑litre V6 — no turbo, no DPF, no AdBlue, no diesel EURO6 headaches, but it still will be registered as EURO6 vehicle!
We never wanted a modern diesel. Not on the Balkans. Not in the Caucasus. Not on winter mountain roads.
We wanted reliability, predictability, and mechanical honesty. And Toyota still builds engines that feel like they were designed for the world, not for laboratory emissions cycles.
Technical Highlights
- Engine: 3.5L V6 (2GR‑FKS), approx. 296 hp and 357 Nm (it’s more then Opel and Suzuki… combined!)
- Injection system: D‑4S — a dual‑injection setup combining port injection and direct injection
- Drivetrain: AWD with active torque distribution
- Transmission: 8‑speed automatic
- Ground clearance: ~165 mm + 3,5″ lift + bigger tires
- Payload: typically ~600–700 kg depending on trim
- Towing capacity: approx. 1,600 kg
- Interior length: up to ~2.0 m with seats removed
- Seating: modular, removable, flexible
What’s next? Our build plan
This time we’re doing it properly. Not rushing. Not improvising. A full transformation, step by step:
1. Full inspection & service – before anything else — a clean baseline. Fluids, filters, brakes, drivetrain, cooling, suspension.
2. Underbody protection – rustproofing, sealing, and preparing the chassis for gravel, mud, and winter salt.
3. LPG installation – because a V6 deserves to be driven without guilt. And because port‑injection Toyotas run beautifully on gas.
4. Suspension lift 3,5″ lift kit
5. All‑terrain tires 235/65 on smaller 17″ wheels with ET30. Wider sidewalls, more traction, more capability.
6. Custom sleeping platform & drawers – but this time — aluminium (v-slot), not wood. Lighter, stronger, modular. A system that can be removed in minutes.
7. Roof‑top tent.
What we hope this car will become
A vehicle that can cross countries in comfort, then turn onto a gravel road without hesitation. A car that can sleep three people, haul gear, and still climb a mountain pass. A machine that merges the spirit of our Vitara with the practicality of our campervan.
A compromise — yes. But the right one, we hope. And no, despite the Georgian inspiration, it’s still not a Delica. For now, we welcome the Sienna — our new home on wheels, our new trail companion, our new chapter.
The car is still on its way — currently travelling across the ocean from the United States. The photo in this post isn’t the real vehicle yet, but a visualization of our build plans created with AI.