Toyota Sienna vs Kia Telluride

In Canada, the 2025 Kia Telluride was available in five trim levels, ranging from the EX to the X-Pro, with base prices spanning from $53,840 to $66,540, inclusive of destination charges and fees. The Telluride's design was characterized by its attractive proportions and distinctive style, although the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro trims somewhat muted its personality. Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious feel with features like simulated wood trim and chevron-pattern Nappa leather, though the lower cabin plastics revealed cost-cutting measures. The dual-screen display added a modern touch, but some markings were hard to discern in daylight.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while still resembling a traditional minivan, attempted to add style with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a Magnetic Grey paint colour. Inside, the Sienna's interior received updates, including a new woodgrain finish, though not all passengers appreciated the aesthetic. The Sienna's design prioritized practicality, offering seating for up to eight and easy access through sliding doors. Despite its attempts at style, the Sienna remained a minivan at heart, focusing on functionality over form.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart, with the latter adapting to driver behaviour. While some competitors switched to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, delivering ample power for most situations. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over a 2,000-kilometre journey, aligning with its official rating. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, delivering a net horsepower of 245. While not particularly powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. However, during testing, it averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and excellent impact isolation. The CVT's noise during hard acceleration was a drawback, but the Sienna remained quiet on the highway.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, featuring heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and dedicated smartphone storage sleeves. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience, while the third-row seat offered reasonable comfort for adults. Cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with all seats folded. The hidden compartment under the load floor added versatility, though accessing it was cumbersome due to the carpeted cargo mat.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding doors and hands-free power liftgate facilitated easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats stowed. However, the Sienna's maximum cargo capacity was less than rivals due to its non-removable second-row seats, limiting its versatility for large loads.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. The system included a Blind Spot View Monitor and a blue light filter for reduced eye strain. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on a USB-A data port. The voice recognition system was basic, but the SiriusXM satellite radio and Harman Kardon audio system provided entertainment options.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited trim included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system provided access to connected services, with a digital assistant responding to voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered impressive sound quality. The Sienna's climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience and functionality.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous highway driver assistance system, was standard across all trims. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward driving experience. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing safety for families. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal crash-test result was lower than expected, highlighting a potential area for improvement.