2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a bold exterior design, though its tiger-nose grille styling was not universally praised. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, was likened to a Halloween party mustache, detracting from the SUV's otherwise stylish appearance. Despite this, the Sportage boasted several appealing design elements, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-style symmetry in the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels contributed to its well-proportioned and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage featured a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system. The transmission shifter's solid operation added to the vehicle's upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's evolution, with the latest generation launched in 2021. The Sienna's design included a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid a minivan feel, offering ample storage and seating options. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third-row bench could be easily stored into the floor, enhancing cargo flexibility. The Sienna's interior was practical, with numerous storage cubbies, cupholders, and power-operated sliding doors and liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with most models featuring a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage SX, however, was equipped with a more powerful engine, delivering 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all trims except the entry-level LX FWD. The Sportage SX provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The SUV's suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multi-link rear suspension, offered a smooth and compliant ride. While the Sportage SX was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, 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's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. The hybrid powertrain delivered excellent fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway. The Sienna's 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover SUV scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. The SX's front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel was standard. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. The Sportage's interior storage was ample, but its maximum cargo volume was limited compared to segment leaders. With the second-row seats folded, the Sportage offered 1,703 litres of cargo space, while the space behind the back seat was 868 litres. The Sportage featured Kia's smart liftgate technology, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading 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 also had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench could be easily stored into the floor, and each row offered storage cubbies and cupholders. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, provided added convenience for families.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and 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 premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system was considered less sophisticated compared to competitors, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. While wireless smartphone connectivity was not available, the Sienna included telematics services, Bluetooth streaming, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, and a digital rearview mirror was offered on select models. The Sienna also featured remote keyless entry and push-button start, with upgrades available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also included on select trims. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, similar to the 2021 model. The Sienna's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Blind spot monitoring and the Star Safety System were also standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.