2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without the X-Line package, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and rock-solid construction evident throughout the cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. The Sienna's design included a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and slides to conceal the slider channel, and assertive overall profile. The interior avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and clever storage solutions. The second and third rows offered comfortable, roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row 60/40-split bench easily stored away into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. However, the more satisfying turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available starting with the Sorento EX, generated 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, making it a more enjoyable option. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, powered the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system. The turbocharged Sorento could accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, offering a surge of torque and a snappy transmission for an energetic driving experience. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento drove more like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and communication on winding roads. However, the X-Line package's suspension lift was more for show than serious off-roading. The Sorento SX Prestige X-Line’s fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing showed an average of around 20.7 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, carrying over from 2021, featured an exclusive hybrid powertrain. The Sienna used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with an available AWD system that added a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sienna Hybrid’s handling was better than expected for a minivan, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The big news for the Sienna Hybrid was its impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway/35 mpg combined for AWD models. The Sienna’s 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior often felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige featuring a 14-way power driver’s seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs, standard starting with EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. The Sorento’s third-row seat, however, was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Sorento offered a “smart” power tailgate that opened when the key fob was nearby, adding convenience for loading cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of conveying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight, with cargo 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 also had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away into the floor easily, and each row had storage cubby space and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, except for the base LX trim, which had an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system offered plenty of features and an intuitive user interface, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with EX trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard in all grades, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports throughout the cabin. The Sienna lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, which was a notable oversight. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard, upgraded to Smart Key System on XLE and above trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, which included various safety features depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had a full list of features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the highest rating for its full LED headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in frontal-impact collisions and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the 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 had 10 airbags, several LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. Buyers could opt for a spare tire, which was mounted in the wall of the cargo space for safety and convenience.