2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Sorento

In 2021, Kia transformed the Sorento from a bubbly, jelly-bean design into a more rugged, athletic, and modern crossover SUV. The SX Prestige trim, with the X-Line package, boasted roof rails and a shark fin antenna that enhanced its sporty look. The front featured an enlarged tiger-nose grille, and the headlights offered a subtle squint, creating a more aggressive aura. A silver accent between the front fender and the door added visual interest. At the back, the distinctive vertical rectangle taillights stood out and promised better longevity compared to contemporaries like the 2022 Tucson. Inside, stylish heated mirrors, air vents for the second row, and advanced connectivity features set a high bar.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna strove to blend SUV-like aesthetics with traditional minivan practicality. The front end was bold and assertive, while the re-engineered sliding doors hid their tracks beneath the rear side windows. The profile, marked by 17-inch wheels (going up to 20 inches in higher trims), was sporting a stance that married functionality with a rugged look. The interior avoided the stereotypical minivan feel by incorporating ample storage, second- and third-row comfort with captain’s chairs, and a 60/40-split bench for flexible seating. Every aspect was tailored for family convenience and style.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, most notably the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the test model. Producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, it provided ample power for passing and merging on highways. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the all-wheel-drive system managed torque distribution effectively, courtesy of its torque vectoring. The drive modes significantly altered the driving experience: Eco mode improved fuel economy at the cost of throttle response, while Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. Overall, the drive was smooth, even with a hefty curb weight of around 4,000 pounds.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna solely relied on a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors to yield 243 horsepower. All trims had the option of all-wheel drive, which added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, improving traction. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a seamless driving experience. Selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed for driving customization. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD variants. Its ride quality, facilitated by Toyota’s TNGA platform, was comfortable with minimal body roll.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, though boasting three rows, was more practical as a four-seater in its upper trims due to the tight third row and the captain's chairs in the second row. With 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the rear, it provided commendable comfort. Cargo space was limited; with all seats up, it offered only 12.6 cubic feet. However, folding down seats expanded this to 75.5 cubic feet, aligning it more with compact crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse. Able to accommodate a 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, it set a high bar for cargo versatility. With 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet, it offered superior cargo capacity compared to the Sorento. The power-operated side doors and rear tailgate, along with the foot-motion triggers, added practical convenience for families on the go.

Kia packed the 2021 Sorento with tech, albeit not without quirks. The 8-inch touchscreen, available on lower trims, featured hard buttons and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch screen on higher trims, while visually impressive, required a wired connection for smartphone integration and had redundant screen space when using Android Auto. The Bose stereo system failed to impress, and the navigation system needed refinement.

The 2022 Sienna offered a robust tech package across all trims. A standard 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with multiple USB ports, made for an inclusive infotainment experience. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system. While lacking wireless Apple CarPlay, the Sienna compensated with advanced telematics, a head-up display in Platinum trims, and a digital rearview mirror, enriching the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento delivered a rich suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. NHTSA awarded it four stars overall, while IIHS gave the Sorento a Top Safety Pick designation, albeit with mixed headlight ratings.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing its 2021 safety success, came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other aids. It earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. With additional LATCH locations, 10 airbags, and a redesigned spare tire location, it underscored a commitment to family safety.