2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Hyundai Kona

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in the subcompact SUV segment with its bold and sporty design. It managed to capture attention with its sleek exterior, featuring tiered lighting and a tall grille that gave it a more substantial appearance. The Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions, making it appear more premium than its price tag suggested. However, the interior did not quite match the exterior's flair, with hard plastics and a lack of refinement compared to some competitors. Despite this, the Kona offered a visually stimulating package that appealed to those seeking a stylish and affordable small SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamps contributed to a modern and assertive stance. The Sienna's design was not just about looks; it also incorporated practical elements like reworked sliding doors and various alloy wheel options. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width and comfort, with a simple yet functional dashboard layout. The seating was designed for comfort, and the materials used throughout the cabin provided a pleasant tactile experience. Overall, the Sienna managed to blend style with practicality, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona impressed with its powertrain options, particularly the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivered 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine, available on the Limited and Ultimate trims, provided strong acceleration and a satisfying driving experience, especially when paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Kona's handling was agile, with a tight suspension and direct steering, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. However, the ride was on the stiffer side, and the cabin was not as well insulated, resulting in a noisier experience compared to some rivals. Fuel economy was decent, with the turbocharged AWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna, as a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT aimed to deliver smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a traditional automatic transmission. The Sienna offered four drive modes, including a "Sport" mode for a slightly livelier experience. Handling was improved over previous models, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The Sienna's standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city and highway, making it an efficient choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four and limited cargo capacity. With only 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 46 cubic feet with them folded, it lagged behind competitors in terms of practicality. The Kona's compact dimensions made it feel more like a small hatchback than a true crossover, limiting its utility for carrying passengers and cargo. While the controls were user-friendly and the infotainment system was straightforward, the Kona's cramped interior was a drawback for those seeking more space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in terms of interior space and versatility. It featured a standard third row and a second row that could slide up to 25 inches, providing easy access to the rear seats. The Sienna offered ample storage options, with 16 cupholders and various cubby spaces throughout the cabin. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly integrated under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate added convenience, making the Sienna a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a range of technology features, with most trims equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like proximity entry, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SEL Plus trim introduced wireless charging and an upgraded audio system. The Ultimate trim included a sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and adaptive cruise control. While the Kona's technology offerings were competitive, the lack of advanced driver assistance features on lower trims was a limitation.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Sienna offered a range of connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect trials. Higher trims featured a premium audio system with JBL speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with a wide-screen display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on top trims, enhancing the driving experience. Overall, the Sienna's technology suite was comprehensive and catered to the needs of modern families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It came standard with forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, pedestrian detection was only available on the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags, which some competitors offered.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, providing comprehensive protection for occupants. A rear-seat reminder system and a tire pressure monitoring system were standard, enhancing safety for families. While crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were not yet available, the previous model received good ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.