2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior featured fresh hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its mildly aggressive off-road appearance.

Inside, the 2023 Telluride featured a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, propelling the SUV into a modern era. Interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks. In Canada, the Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX with standard AWD, and the X-Pro topping the range at $62,795, excluding a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, presented a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and colours like deep blue, red, or bronze. The XSE trim, our tester, featured a sporty black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. Standard features included cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and seating for eight, while the XSE trim offered leatherette-trimmed sport seats and a heated, leather-trimmed power steering wheel with ADAS controls. The interior design emphasized spaciousness with horizontal lines, a fixed centre console with satin accents, and easily accessible cup holders and shifter. While not luxurious, the Sienna's interior was practical for family use.

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. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres during a mix of highway and city driving. The X-Pro, less efficient at 11.5 L/100 km, included off-roading in Lock mode. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, approach and departure angles, and traction control for off-road performance. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Off-roading in Texas hill country demonstrated the Telluride's capabilities, though it wasn't as rugged as a Jeep or Land Rover. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth, quiet ride, with some wind noise and a slightly squishy feel in turns due to the all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 245 horsepower. AWD models added an electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, the Sienna felt sluggish, with a CVT that didn't enhance performance. Acceleration was smooth but slow, especially on highways or inclines. Around town, the Sienna was pleasant, with Normal or Eco mode preferred, and an EV mode for low-speed areas. The brakes were grabby, but steering was light and accurate, with excellent visibility. For more driving pleasure, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica offered stronger V6 engines.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many midsize SUVs. Storage was ample, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna offered practical interior features, including a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox with a wireless charging pad. Powered side doors and sliding second-row captain’s chairs provided up to 101.5 centimetres of legroom, though the slide function was complex, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible for adults and offered 99 centimetres of legroom with the second row forward. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate, activated by a kick motion, revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed and 2,860 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. OTA updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. Six USB ports provided power for all passengers. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced communication and comfort, while a wireless phone charger and 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. Digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional HUD with a 10-inch viewing area. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained older infotainment technology, with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the newer system offered better graphics and features, physical buttons for common menus were appreciated. The backup camera's grainy view was disappointing for a 2024 model. Analog gauges included a 7-inch digital display for essential information. SiriusXM and a 12-speaker JBL stereo were available, along with a rear-camera mirror. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was included. However, the outlets required activation via a button near the driver’s seat.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist were also standard. The Safe Exit Assist system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist enhanced safety. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. Additional features included front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. Adaptive cruise control eased commuting stress, though lane-keeping assist caused some side-to-side movement. The Sienna included side curtain airbags for all rows, a seat belt reminder for rear passengers, and a reminder to check the rear seats for occupants. The NHTSA rated the Sienna with four stars for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS awarded top scores for crashworthiness and seat belt systems, though front crash prevention was rated as "Average."