2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sharp body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs completed the exterior updates. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to create a more horizontal layout, giving the interior a wider look. Ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna maintained its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. The macho front end and re-engineered door hinges and slides gave it a more assertive profile. The interior avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage options. The second and third rows offered comfortable seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, enhancing cargo flexibility. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The new Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements like launch control and high-performance brakes.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four selectable drive modes. The TNGA platform’s front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges with small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity and flexibility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and each row featured ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display on the base SE trim, with Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered a Digital Key and Hyundai Blue Link services.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Qi wireless phone charging was standard on Limited and Platinum trims. A digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available features 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 crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" ratings for child-seat anchors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available for added safety and convenience.