2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Seltos

Despite its classification as a subcompact SUV, the 2021 Kia Seltos had a big-car feel. It featured an upright layout with a commanding view of the road. The headlight design, though busy, flowed well into the grille styling. The lower front bumper had an aggressive approach angle, hinting at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos was not designed for such adventures. The two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers added a trendy and dynamic touch. The interior boasted a straightforward design layout with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech features, reminiscent of more upscale brands like Audi. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the handle framing the tray below the center stack underscored the utilitarian yet sporty nature of the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to change the perception of minivans with its SUV-like appearance. A wide grille emphasized the minivan's width, and LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look. The sliding side doors were nicely sculpted, and the alloy wheels, available in various sizes and finishes, filled the arches beautifully. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, and the seating position was higher than a sedan's, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console housed the gear selector lever, cup holders, and a big storage compartment beneath the center armrest. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). AWD was standard on LX and EX and optional on the S. The base engine was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and brisk acceleration. The Drive Mode dial offered Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, enhancing throttle response and steering feel. Despite its upright layout, the Seltos showed little body roll in turns and remained smooth over bumps, offering a driving experience comparable to a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. Four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, minimizing body roll and providing a comfortable ride. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs on the market. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, with large bottle holders in the doors and a spacious center console. The rear seats offered ample head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and numerous storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, a family-friendly feature.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base S trim, while the SX Turbo came with a Bose premium sound system, a 7-inch digital display screen, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a helpful home button and redundant hard buttons. However, plugging in a smartphone via USB defaulted the audio to the phone's music, which could be frustrating. Only one of the two USB ports allowed data connection, with the other serving as a power source.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and surround sound. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchor latches. All trims except the base LX included driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX included adaptive cruise control with idle stop-and-go and cyclist detection.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were not yet available, but the 2020 Sienna received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.