2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering four trim levels in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. All trims except the LX came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding the $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model tested, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, a minivan that embraced its identity, was designed with SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The Sienna's interior was spacious and practical, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans. The third-row bench was standard and easily stowed away, providing flexibility for cargo and passengers. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a strong contender for families needing a reliable and versatile vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Seltos provided three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres. Despite its lively urban performance, the Seltos struggled with suspension tuning, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, and its handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and AWD models slightly higher.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver’s seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. The Seltos provided decent storage space, including a smartphone shelf and cargo space measuring 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for cargo, 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 and featured a 60/40-split third-row bench that stored easily. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting at the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via cable. The system was intuitive, with physical controls for primary functions, but lacked a native conversational voice recognition system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also provided telematics services and a digital rearview mirror on select trims.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim 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 the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.