2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. Introduced in 2011, the Sienna had received newer infotainment tech and styling updates, but certain elements, like the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel, seemed to hark back to Toyota's 2010 parts bin. This simplicity, however, made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna was available in several trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each offering a range of features from alloy wheels and climate control to leather-trimmed seating and premium audio systems. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels, appealing to those who wanted a minivan with a bit of flair.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its stylish design and luxurious feel, especially in the SX Limited trim. It offered a premium experience with features like Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a head-up display. The Nightsky Edition added a blacked-out aesthetic with unique grille inserts and 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's interior was noted for its contemporary design, with thoughtful touches like a well-placed transmission shifter and quality materials. While the interior colour options were limited, the overall execution of the Telluride's design was impressive, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for those who needed it. The Sienna's powertrain was primarily front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, providing a unique selling point in its class. Fuel efficiency for the front-wheel-drive model was 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version returned slightly higher figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, though its steering response could feel twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered multiple driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, to suit different driving conditions. The Telluride's all-wheel-drive system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and its 20.3 cm ground clearance helped it tackle challenging terrains. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing similar results.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was somewhat challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Kia Telluride impressed with its comfort and utility. The driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustments, and both front seats were heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs also featured heating and ventilation, with easy access to the third row. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone holders and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the speakers, a handy tool for families.

The 2021 Kia Telluride boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It allowed pairing of two smartphones simultaneously and included wireless charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and Limited grades added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna included standard safety features like lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control as part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a robust suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional systems like adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist enhanced safety. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite four-star frontal-impact results.