2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxury SUV feel at a mainstream price. This trim included premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, featured gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving it a popular blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality execution, despite some glossy hard plastic in the interior. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and the overall interior design was contemporary and well-executed.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued to embrace its minivan identity, despite the SUV trend. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's design, which aimed to blend SUV style with minivan functionality. The Sienna featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with integrated styling details. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third-row seats could be easily stored into the floor, and the second-row seats offered significant sliding capability for easy access. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a strong contender for families seeking a versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on higher trims, ensured proper ride and handling. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to better-than-expected handling, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and AWD models slightly higher at 6.7 L/100 km. The hybrid system's battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured heating and ventilation, with the SX Limited trim adding these features to the second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, or through a pass-through between the captain’s chairs. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone-friendly bins and trays. The smart hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench stored easily into the floor, and each row offered storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for families.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, although the sound quality was not exceptional. The Limited grades added a head-up display with comprehensive information, including blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless compatibility for these features. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, and an 8-year trial of Service Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi wireless phone charging available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system on upper trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display with HDMI input. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and remote keyless entry with push-button start.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, pre-collision system, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire for added convenience.