2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Telluride

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 added an assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced its visual appeal, and 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 a gear selector lever, multiple cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, available in four trim levels, was praised for its styling and quality execution. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed it into a luxury SUV with premium Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package added a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Telluride's interior was a model of contemporary design, with thoughtful touches like a solid and smooth transmission shifter and a choice of interior colors in the SX trim. Despite some glossy hard plastic, the overall look and feel were impressive.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over previous models, with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, highway, and combined, and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride excelled in various driving conditions, from muddy trails to snowy roads. Its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for AWD models, with an observed average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample 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, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable and utility-focused interior. The SX trim's driver’s seat had 14-way adjustments, including power lumbar and thigh support, and both front seats were heated and ventilated. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided easy access to the third row via a button or pass-through. The Telluride featured ample storage, including smartphone bins, USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when sensing the key fob nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It 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. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a year. The Telluride included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. Upper trims offered wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. The EX and SX trims included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, enhancing communication and comfort. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with 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 and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Additional safety systems included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim had front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, despite some lower frontal-impact scores.