2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, being the third generation of its model, had been around since 2011. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was crucial for families. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those who prioritized style.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona, a funky small SUV, blended mild and wild styling. The front featured a busy look with multiple lighting elements, while the rear had a more subdued, standard crossover shape. The interior managed to pull off a fun attitude without being too whimsical. The seats had neat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, with higher trims offering leather upgrades. The well-organized interior featured an infotainment system touchscreen mounted high on the dash and physical climate controls, making the layout simple and intuitive. The Kona's compact interior worked well with its playful exterior.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The dash-mounted shifter had a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna provided stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with Sport mode aiding in highway overtaking. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna offered AWD for all trims except the base L, though this configuration limited seating to seven passengers. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The base engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional $1,400. The Kona handled and drove with more confidence than expected for its price tag, feeling agile and engaging. The FWD base engine returned 27/33/30 mpg, while the AWD version returned 25/30/27 mpg. The turbo engine with FWD delivered 28/32/30 mpg, and with AWD, it returned 26/29/27 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, though getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with controls and displays within easy reach. The front seats were wide and well-padded but lacked support for spirited driving. Back-seat passengers had good headroom but limited legroom. The Kona's large rear door openings made loading children easier, though large rear-facing car seats could cause issues for taller front passengers. The Kona's cargo space was limited, only beating out the Mazda CX-3 in its segment. However, the rear seats folded to open up more space, and small-item storage was generous and conveniently located.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with rear passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Available tech included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen system. Hyundai's infotainment software was simple, colorful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate and use.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning and avoidance with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention warning system, and rear occupant alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and parking sensors.