2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows provided ample comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to configure space as needed.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, with its distinctive tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, was described by Kia as having a "Euro-focused" design. Its short wheelbase and overhangs made it ideal for city driving. The headlights carried over from the previous year, and the Sportage offered wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen display served as the centerpiece, flanked by air vents and physical buttons for tuning and volume. The cabin, while not the most tech-forward, was pleasant and functional, with two cupholders between the front seats and Kia's older logo on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna's handling was significantly improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. Fuel economy was a standout, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg across the board and AWD models slightly lower at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Kia Sportage came in LX, EX, and SX Turbo trims, with both FWD and AWD options. The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. All models used a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined for FWD, and slightly lower for AWD. The turbocharged models had lower fuel economy, with FWD at 20/28/23 and AWD at 19/24/21. The Sportage's McPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. Cargo handling was impressive, with the ability to carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo space measured 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 could tow up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space, and came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, adding to its family-friendly features.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, falling short compared to other compact crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity features included a year’s trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth, Qi-compatible charging, and a 1500-watt inverter were available. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker JBL package with Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was optional. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard. Most trims included Kia’s UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus, physical buttons, and handy knobs, though it wasn't the most cutting-edge.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more, was standard. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring. Crash-test ratings for 2021 were pending, but the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Sportage boasted a strong safety suite, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system as standard. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage earned Top Safety Pick status from IIHS and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.