2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. The model was 4 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. These changes, along with sporty new character lines and new alloy wheel designs, gave the Kona a more sophisticated and athletic look. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider and more spacious appearance. The addition of ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, enhancing the Kona's sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its traditional minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The minivan's design focused on practicality, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, making it a smart choice for families. The Sienna's interior was spacious and functional, with ample cargo capacity and comfortable seating arrangements.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder paired with a CVT, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with a seven-speed DCT, producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with an eight-speed wet DCT, generating 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The Kona's handling was praised for its stability and agility, with features like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential enhancing its sporty character.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors. This setup produced a total of 245 horsepower, which was less impressive compared to some competitors. The Sienna's CVT was noted for its less-than-ideal sound and performance. However, the minivan's chassis and steering were commended for their nimbleness and ease of handling, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size. The Sienna offered various drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges with limited headroom and legroom, and the small rear door openings made entry and exit less convenient. Cargo space was limited, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact size meant that rear-seat comfort and cargo capacity were compromised.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. The minivan featured numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins, providing ample storage options. The Sienna's three-row seating configuration offered generous legroom, especially in the third row, thanks to the sliding middle-row seats. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The Sienna's design prioritized passenger comfort and practicality, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced several tech upgrades, including an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and HD Radio. The Kona N Line and Kona N offered a premium audio system and a digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required a wired connection. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, relied on an older infotainment interface, offering features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which some users appreciated for their ease of use. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, but the interface felt outdated and clunky. The Sienna's technology was reliable, but it lacked the modernity and seamless integration found in newer systems.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear occupant alert. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing the Kona from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Toyota prioritized safety in the Sienna, making it a reliable choice for families.