2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile featured assertive lines, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced its stance, while the rear maintained a wide and low appearance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and smart features like a tray for a handbag. The second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility, with sliding seats for maximum utility.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a low and wide stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners, giving the body a curvaceous look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements added to the EV6's appeal, making it a car-first, computer-second experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. It offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. Its fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered a powerful performance with dual electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's handling was agile, with torque distributed effectively between the motors. It offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a strong I-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. 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. Its hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate with kick sensors added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its interior provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect trials. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and an optional 10-inch Head-Up Display. Remote keyless entry and a Smart Key System were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. It offered Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and fast-charging capabilities. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring were standard. While 2021 crash-test ratings were unavailable, the 2020 model received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results but offered impressive safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.