2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile featured an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that boasted a sculpted design, enhancing the vehicle's overall look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its appeal, while the rear maintained a wide and low appearance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, and the second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its stylish design and luxurious feel, especially in the SX Limited trim, which offered premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner. The exterior styling was impeccable, with a blacked-out look in the Nightsky Edition. Inside, the Telluride featured a well-executed contemporary design, with a solid and smooth transmission shifter and a spacious interior. The driver’s seat offered multiple adjustments for optimal comfort, and the second-row captain’s chairs provided heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults, and the SUV offered ample storage solutions for modern families. The Telluride's smart hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, and the cargo space was generous, with easy-to-use folding seats to maximize volume.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive option, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was noted for its less responsive throttle. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 3.8-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select with options like Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for better traction, and its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The SUV's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the test loop averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The Telluride's handling was enhanced by brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology, offering a composed driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row seat that folded easily into the floor. The second row could slide up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, capable of carrying a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with a driver’s seat featuring 12-way power adjustments and a high seating position. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row captain’s chairs provided similar comfort. The third-row seat was accessible and suitable for adults, with easy entry and exit. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone holders and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, and the cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with the second row folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available SiriusXM. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect trials, Bluetooth, and Qi-compatible charging. The audio system varied by trim, with a Premium Audio + JBL package available. A rear-seat entertainment system was also offered, with a wide-screen display and wireless headphones. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls. The SX trim came with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and the Limited grades added a head-up display. The Telluride's technology package provided a comprehensive suite of features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring, with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a suite of advanced safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, and forward-collision avoidance. It also had adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.