2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, providing ample storage and convenience features, while the second and third-row seats offered flexibility and comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage showcased a bold design with its tiger-nose grille, though opinions on its front-end styling varied. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, featuring a four-dot running light signature and a symmetrical rear fascia. The SX trim boasted 19-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues, with a black dashboard accented by polished metallic elements. The interior was upscale, with easy-to-use buttons and knobs for controlling various functions, and the transmission shifter provided a sense of quality. The Sportage's interior design was both stylish and functional, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was 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 all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the Sportage SX featured a more powerful engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Sportage SX included a Dynamax all-wheel-drive system with a locking centre differential. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available at low RPMs. Its suspension system provided a smooth ride, and the SX trim featured upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. The Sportage offered a sporty driving experience, though it lacked the refinement of some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding capability, enhancing legroom and access to the third row. The Sienna's cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. It could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its cargo space was flexible, with up to 2,860 litres available. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space, and the power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, while smaller, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, with heated rear seats on the SX trim. The Sportage's interior storage was generous, though its maximum cargo volume was limited compared to competitors. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed. The Sportage's interior was both comfortable and functional, catering to the needs of its occupants.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with multiple USB ports. Higher trims included features like Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, enhancing both connectivity and entertainment for all passengers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and logical menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged behind in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring. Despite these limitations, the Sportage's infotainment system was straightforward and effective.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, though it received four stars for front and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance on the EX and SX trims. The SX trim also included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though only the SX trim earned an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.