2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment, even as other manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Toyota's history with minivans dates back to the 1980s, and the Sienna, introduced in 1998, continued to evolve with each generation. The latest iteration, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan identity, thanks to its sliding side doors. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed door hinges, giving it a robust stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers, including available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride presented a fresh take on the SUV market with its updated styling and new features. The Telluride's exterior received a facelift with new front and rear designs, updated lighting, and new wheel options. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a touch of ruggedness with raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride boasted a modern and tech-forward cabin, highlighted by a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior updates, though subtle, enhanced the overall driving experience, making the Telluride a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, aided by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience. The hybrid system's efficiency was impressive, with Natural Resources Canada rating the FWD model at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the AWD variant achieved 6.7 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for enhanced traction. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the X-Line model averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The X-Pro model, designed for off-road adventures, returned 11.5 L/100 km, reflecting its more rugged capabilities. The Telluride's suspension and traction control modifications improved its off-road performance, while its on-road manners remained smooth and composed, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, offering impressive cargo capacity and flexibility. With the ability to carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood, the Sienna provided 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added convenience, especially when hands were full. The Sienna's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and power-operated features, making it a practical choice for families on the go.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride's interior was well-appointed, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and ample storage options. The cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. The smart power tailgate and automatic closing function added convenience, making the Telluride a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and audio system upgrades, including a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. The available rear-seat entertainment system and digital rearview mirror added to the Sienna's tech appeal, making it a well-rounded choice for tech-savvy families.

The 2023 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system's voice recognition capabilities were commendable, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Telluride's tech features included over-the-air updates, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The digital-key technology and Full Display rear-view mirror added modern conveniences, while the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system showcased Kia's commitment to safety and innovation.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, blind spot monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride's advanced driving assistance systems included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. The SUV's Highway Drive Assist 1.5 system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, while the Rear Occupant Alert system added an extra layer of safety. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, reflecting its commitment to safety.