In light of the nation’s boom in leisure activities, Toyota Korea is enjoying upbeat sales of its sport utility vehicles ranging from the RAV4 crossover to the Sienna minivan and its latest model the FJ Cruiser.

Toyota’s SUV sales soared to 1,613 vehicles, or 22 percent of the total 7,438 units, in Korea last year. In the first five months of this year, 36 percent of its cars sold were SUVs.

Its Sienna is the best-selling minivan in the Korean import car market.

Since its introduction in 1998, the Sienna has won over families with its versatility, features, safety record and reputation for reliability. 

The car is said to have transformed the concept of the minivan from the previously dull and boxy car to a stylish performance vehicle for families.

Its Korean sales started in 2011 with the third-generation model. Since then, the Sienna has sold 1,515 vehicles in the country.

The new Sienna provides a spacious interior as well as plenty of available luxury features. It can carry up to eight passengers.

The 2014 model comes equipped with its first four-wheel-drive system, a boon especially for families enjoying winter activities.

The RAV4, Toyota’s best-selling SUV, is also expanding its presence in the Korean market.

The five-passenger compact crossover provides useful space for small families and singles alike, while offering high-end features such as a blind-spot monitoring system, lane departure warning system and automatic high-beam control.

“We think our competitive pricing policy is driving up sales recently,” said a Toyota Korea official, adding that the carmaker minimized price hikes despite new luxury features.

“Leisure activities, especially camping, are becoming more popular among Korean families. We will ramp up efforts to lure new customers with our strong SUV lineup.”

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)