2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The interior occasionally felt upscale but was generally considered outdated. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, were clear indicators of its age. However, the simplicity of the controls made them easy to use.

The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium. The base L trim was well-equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like dual power sliding doors and easy-clean upholstery. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and leather upholstery. Higher trims like the SE Premium, XLE, and Limited added more luxury features, with the Limited Premium offering a DVD entertainment system and HID headlights. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for a sportier look.

The 2021 Kia Sorento represented a significant design leap from its predecessor. The new model featured a more athletic and muscular silhouette, moving away from the previous jelly-bean-inspired styling. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its rugged look. The front showcased Kia's expanded tiger-nose grille, while the side featured a silver accent between the front fender and the door. The rear had stylish vertical taillights, and despite a large D-pillar, the overall design was modern and cohesive.

Inside, the Sorento was packed with high-value features. All trims came with heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry. The base LX trim offered six-way driver seat adjustment, while higher trims provided 10-way adjustment with power lumbar support. The SX Prestige trim featured real perforated leather seats, which were soft and comfortable. The panoramic sunroof in the test vehicle let in plenty of light, although it could get too hot during sunny days. Overall, the Sorento's interior was well-designed and comfortable, with ample legroom and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, which was rarely used but could be helpful for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), but all trims except the base L had an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, available only in a 7-passenger configuration.

The FWD Sienna had the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. AWD versions returned 18/24/20 mpg. In a week of mixed driving, the observed fuel economy was 18.3 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, providing a smooth ride and confidence in various driving conditions. However, the steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention to keep the van moving straight.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains. The base LX and S trims were equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the test car featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a wet clutch to AWD. This setup provided ample power for merging, cruising, and passing.

The Sorento also had a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, available only with FWD. The AWD system in the test car included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for better traction in slippery conditions. The X-Line package added 1.3 inches of ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack. The suspension setup, with McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, made a noticeable difference in throttle response and overall driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than 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 with a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. Toyota also offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while a three-row SUV, was best considered a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front and rear seats provided ample legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, making it more practical to fold those seats down. Total cargo volume was 75.5 cubic feet, which was on the smaller side for a three-row midsize crossover. However, the Sorento offered thoughtful storage solutions, including a spot for a phone with an optional wireless charger, multiple cupholders, and decent-sized door pockets.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard 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 also included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers in the back.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen display on the LX, S, and EX trims, with hard buttons, volume and tuning knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger 10.25-inch screen on the SX and SX Prestige trims looked fantastic but required a physical connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento had plenty of USB ports, although no USB-C ports. The optional Bose stereo in the test car was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, particularly in voice search and Point-of-Interest functions, but most drivers would likely use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on the 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 standard driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Kia Sorento was equipped with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. The test car also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control, which worked smoothly. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento four out of five stars overall, with perfect scores in side-impact crash tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick designation, with the SX trims receiving top ratings for their LED headlights.