2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the LX, and prices ranged from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding a $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 visually appealing small SUV, though the headlights were not universally liked. Inside, it boasted a stylish design with exposed stitching and metallic accents, but the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from the overall quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for easy access, although the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not a popular choice.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train and offered a variety of trim levels, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The Sienna provided value for Canadian shoppers, especially those opting for the XLE trim with its power-sliding doors and liftgate. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, although some features were not available in Canada. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three car seats in the middle row. The interior was designed for comfort and practicality, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, paired with a CVT. The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable of light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. Despite these issues, the Seltos was lively in urban environments and easy to park, though highway driving revealed some wind noise and vibrations.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing 245 net system horsepower. While the power output was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were highlights, offering nimble handling and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's light steering made city driving easy, and its turning radius was commendable for a minivan. The Sienna offered EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. The CVT's performance was less satisfying, with a tendency to climb the rev band, but the overall driving experience was enjoyable for a minivan.

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 in Canada. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, though the hard plastic front seatbacks could be uncomfortable. The Seltos offered decent storage, including a smartphone shelf, and cargo space measured 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a master of interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. The open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf on the dash provided ample space for personal items. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the seat folded. Total cargo space was 2,860 litres, though the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on higher trims. The Sienna's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting at the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via cable. The interface was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons, but the voice recognition system was less effective without a smartphone's digital assistant.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment interface, with core features like satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The system included physical buttons, which were practical, but the interface felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. Despite its quirks, the technology was reliable, and the 9-inch touchscreen was adequate. The JBL premium audio system provided good sound quality, enhancing the overall experience.

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 Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with top marks for crashworthiness and crash-avoidance tech.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features, the Sienna's safety package was comprehensive and reliable.