2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 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. All trims except the Seltos S included 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.

Inside, the Seltos displayed a stylish interior with a contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap. The build quality was excellent, and the controls were logically arranged with matte-black buttons and clear markings. The infotainment system's purple accent color was a minor drawback. Despite some nitpicking, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with front-end styling resembling a Japanese bullet train and 20-inch wheels on the FWD XSE and Platinum trims. The Sienna offered multiple trim levels: LE, XLE, sporty XSE, upper-class Limited, and top-shelf Platinum, along with a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim. The XLE trim, expected to be popular among value-conscious shoppers, added standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate.

Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the center console in the Platinum trim. The Sienna could seat seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater supporting three-across car seats in the middle row. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans for extra thigh support. The middle-row seats slid forward and backward on a long track, providing ample legroom for third-row passengers.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims had 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 featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine's torque arrived 3,000 rpm sooner than the base engine, making the Seltos more engaging to drive.

The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Smart mode balanced fuel efficiency with responsiveness but was sometimes unpredictable. Sport mode quickened the powertrain's pulse but occasionally struggled to find the right gear. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had 7.3 inches of ground clearance. The suspension tuning was the least appealing aspect, with the Seltos exhibiting lateral rocking motions and feeling bouncy on uneven roads. Despite these issues, the Seltos was lively in urban environments and easy to park.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, plus a third rear-mounted electric motor for AWD trims, combining for 245 net system horsepower. The CVT tended to claw its way up the rev band, resulting in lackluster acceleration compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were impressive, making it nimble and fun to drive despite its size.

The Sienna offered EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes. Eco mode extended the CVT's simulated gears too much, and EV mode was largely ineffective. Sport mode wasn't dramatic enough to disguise the fact that it was a minivan. The Sienna's light steering feel and tidy turning radius made it easy to drive in the city, and it cruised comfortably on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access thanks to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna boasted brilliant interior storage solutions, including a large cubby below the center console, a long shelf extending from the middle of the dash, and a big bin in the center console. The Sienna's minivan platform made excellent use of space, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space was 101 cubic feet, although the middle row of seats couldn't be fully removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans and a long sliding track for ample legroom.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The system was intuitive to use, with physical buttons and knobs for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment interface with SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional navigation system. The Sienna had seven USB ports and physical buttons for core functions. However, the interface felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 9-inch touchscreen didn't look undersized in person. The 12-speaker JBL audio system sounded good.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came with numerous driving assistance systems, 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 included adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model.