2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

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 a superb fit and finish typical of Toyota. 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 were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding to configure space for maximum utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches and adding revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty new character lines. The lower body cladding and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes, giving the Kona a more sophisticated look. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious feel. New ambient lighting and a rear USB port added convenience and sophistication. The sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, including body-color cladding, new wheel designs, and exclusive interior features like black seats with red stitching and alloy sport pedals.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 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, thanks to new front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions across its lineup. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The N Line and Kona Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The new Kona N trim boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed wet DCT, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with the 1.6-liter turbo engine and AWD, offered more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, with surefooted handling and a composed ride.

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 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, adding to the family-friendly features.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while small, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants, with good headroom and legroom. The rear seats, however, were less accommodating, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Towing was not recommended for the Kona, limiting its utility for larger cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed a ton of standard and available technology features, including a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered 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 featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech for 2022, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. Higher trims featured a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen offered wired versions. The Kona also offered Digital Key, supported via a smartphone app. The N Line and above trims featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless device charging.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna 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. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Kona received five stars from NHTSA for overall crash protection and good ratings from IIHS in all six crashworthiness tests.