2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, stepping away from the traditional boxy design to embrace a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added a touch of sophistication. The Sienna's assertive stance was further enhanced by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna focused on comfort and practicality, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, offering ample storage and convenience features like cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third-row seats provided flexibility and comfort, making the Sienna a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Seltos presented itself as a stylish small SUV, positioned between the Kia Soul and Sportage. The Seltos boasted a good sense of style with exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents, although the abundance of hard plastic detracted from its overall appeal. The interior was well-organized, with intuitive controls and a comfortable driving position. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, a rarity in its class, and the cargo area was generous, with 752 litres of space behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down. Despite some shortcomings in material quality, the Seltos provided a practical and comfortable environment for daily use.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) aimed to deliver smooth power and maximize fuel efficiency, though it sometimes dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable and stable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Seltos featured three driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart—each offering different levels of responsiveness and efficiency. The AWD system included a Lock function for better power distribution at lower speeds, though the Seltos's ground clearance was less than some competitors. While the Seltos excelled in urban environments, its suspension tuning left room for improvement, with noticeable body motion and less bump isolation than desired.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, offering a spacious interior with a standard third-row seat that easily folded into the floor. The second row could slide up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 949 litres 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. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to the Sienna's family-friendly features.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a roomy interior with easy access, thanks to its ride height and large door openings. The front seats were comfortable, with heated options available on most trims. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, though the seatback angle was slightly reclined. The Seltos featured decent storage options, including a smartphone shelf and generous cargo space, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded. While the Seltos offered practical storage solutions, the use of hard plastic in some areas detracted from its overall comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna also included a range of connectivity options, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and a digital rearview mirror on select models. The Sienna's technology package catered to both driver and passenger needs, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and satellite radio, though smartphone integration required a cable connection. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services. Despite some limitations, the Seltos provided a comprehensive technology package for its class.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring, along 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, though it scored four stars for front and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with a range of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision avoidance. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with some trims missing out on top ratings due to headlight performance.