2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV was enhanced with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, giving it a distinctive and purposeful look. In the U.S., the X-Line was a package applied to the top trim, while in Canada, it was a standalone mid-grade package. All-wheel drive was standard on every Sorento sold in Canada, including the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing ranging from $34,595 to $48,085 for the gas-only powertrain, and starting from $36,695 for the hybrid and $44,995 for the plug-in hybrid, excluding a $1,900 destination charge. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and its rock-solid construction was evident throughout the cabin. Despite its stylish interior, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a compelling choice for buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna maintained its position as a steadfast minivan in a market where many competitors had abandoned the segment. Toyota's commitment to the minivan was evident in the Sienna's design, which aimed to blend SUV style with minivan functionality. The Sienna featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and an assertive profile with 17-inch wheels on base models, stepping up to 18-inch and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and clever storage solutions. The second and third rows offered comfortable seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row was a 60/40-split bench that easily stored away into the floor, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Sienna's interior was designed to accommodate families, with ample storage and convenience features.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. However, this engine's performance was considered sluggish, taking nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The more satisfying option was the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of compliance and composure, offering a sporty driving feel. Fuel consumption was a concern, with the base engine averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing, despite official figures suggesting lower consumption. The Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid options provided more fuel-efficient alternatives.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving, while AWD models achieved 6.7 L/100 km. The Sienna's hybrid system included a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, featuring Burgundy leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with convenient storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down expanded the capacity to 1,274 litres, and folding the second row increased it to 2,139 litres. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and the sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading. Cargo measurements were impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and the power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added convenience for families.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system offered a range of features, but the voice recognition system was less effective than its Hyundai counterparts. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard on LX Premium and above.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless smartphone integration. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect services, and an 8-year trial of Service Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A digital rearview mirror was available on XSE and Limited models, providing a clear view of the road behind.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was exclusive to the SX trim, enhancing blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. It also had 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard, with an optional spare tire for added convenience.