2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Most trims, except the Seltos S, came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices at the start of the model year ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails, with an MSRP of $28,045, including the destination charge. The Seltos was a small SUV with an appealing design, though the headlights were not favored. The Nightfall Edition's intricate wheels were attractive but hard to see due to their matte finish. Inside, the Seltos showcased a stylish interior with contrast-color dashboard panels, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents, though the shiny hard plastic detracted from the overall look. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for easy access, though the purple accent color for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, a minivan, maintained its presence in the market despite the rise of SUVs. Toyota's minivan lineage began with the original Van in 1984, followed by the Previa and then the Sienna in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, aimed to blend SUV style with minivan functionality. It featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch wheels on base models, increasing to 18-inch and 20-inch on higher trims. The interior avoided a minivan feel with an uncluttered design and clever storage solutions. The second and third rows offered comfortable seating, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row was a 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. The Seltos was lively in urban environments, with good visibility and easy parking, though highway driving revealed road noise and wind issues.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA platform provided better handling than expected for a minivan, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The Sienna's EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined, and AWD models achieving 35 mpg. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was located under the front seats, with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior for its segment. The ride height and large door openings made entry and exit easy. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The front passenger seat was not height-adjustable but provided adequate leg support. The interior included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. Rear seat space was generous, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 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 had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench stored easily into the floor, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a cable connection. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access, though the voice recognition system was less effective without a connected services subscription.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. 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. Bluetooth and Qi wireless phone charging were available, with audio systems ranging from six speakers to a 12-speaker JBL system. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, with an 11.6-inch display and wireless headphones. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and tire-pressure monitoring.