2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-like symmetry in the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic 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, exuding an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design inspired by Japanese bullet trains. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna offered a stylish and practical choice for families. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive XSE trim featured 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty touch. The interior was a haven of practicality, with ample storage solutions, including a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. The Sienna's spaciousness was a standout feature, with seating for seven or eight passengers and a focus on comfort and functionality. The second-row captain's chairs, available with extending ottomans, provided excellent support, and the third-row seats offered genuine legroom for adults.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a choice between two engines. Most models featured a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling option 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 but the entry-level LX FWD. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, creating a lively driving experience. The suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multi-link rear suspension, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna embraced a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. This setup delivered 245 net system horsepower, which, while less impressive than some competitors, offered a sound and nimble driving experience. The Sienna's CVT, however, struggled with the vehicle's size and weight, resulting in lackluster acceleration. Despite this, the Sienna's chassis and steering impressed, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings and providing a comfortable highway cruise. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, providing a touch of luxury. Front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, while rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and heated seats. The Sportage's cargo space, however, was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the second-row seats folded, falling short of segment leaders. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. With a length of 5,175 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,061 millimetres, the Sienna offered ample room for passengers and cargo. The minivan's platform allowed for 949 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats folded. Total cargo space reached 2,860 litres, though the middle row's inability to be removed or stowed limited maximum capacity. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs, with extending ottomans and sliding functionality, provided exceptional comfort and flexibility, accommodating adults comfortably in the third row.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 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 audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged behind in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured an older infotainment interface with core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which were appreciated for their functionality. However, the interface felt outdated and clunky, with wired connections required for smartphone integration. Despite these quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 9-inch touchscreen, though not impressive on paper, fit well within the interior. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. 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 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features were part of the Toyota Safety Sense package, enhancing the Sienna's family-friendly appeal. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety.