2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, with its long lineage dating back to the original Van of 1984, stood staunchly as a true minivan. Toyota's approach didn’t shy away from the "minivan" label in the face of the rising popularity of SUVs. By 2022, the Sienna had evolved into its fourth generation, adopting SUV-like styling cues while maintaining clear minivan elements, such as sliding side doors. The aggressive front end and re-engineered sliding door channels gave the 2022 Sienna a macho stance. Seventeen-inch wheels came standard, while higher trims boasted 18- and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its robust profile.

Inside, the Sienna aimed for a family-friendly, clutter-free experience. The front cabin felt spacious, adorned with numerous clever storage solutions like an under-console storage area, large door pockets, and plentiful cupholders. The seating layout catered to comfort, featuring available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a 60/40-split third-row bench that could fold flat into the floor. The sliding second-row seats offered up to 25 inches of movement, ensuring ease of access to the third row and flexibility for passengers and cargo.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in its X-Line and X-Pro trims sampled in Texas, received aesthetic updates that kept the model fresh. Modifications included new front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. Kia introduced paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while interior colors expanded to Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition with a raised suspension and unique styling elements, including a distinctive grille and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro variant went further with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, contributing to a mildly aggressive off-roader look.

Inside, the Telluride didn’t undergo dramatic changes but featured significant updates like the introduction of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system nestled under a curved 24-inch glass panel. Trim details, new colors, and a more functional center console provided subtle yet valuable enhancements. Trims like the SX Prestige showcased embossed trim names on the upgraded seats, maintaining an elegant yet rugged appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna leaned heavily into hybrid technology, exclusively housing a hybrid powertrain first introduced in the previous model year. This included a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, collectively generating 243 horsepower. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) offered smooth power delivery and improved efficiency across selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Its handling benefited from the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, giving it a surprisingly minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride.

Fuel efficiency in the Sienna was a standout feature, with the EPA rating FWD models at 36 mpg across city, highway, and combined driving, and AWD models not far behind at 35 mpg. The integration of a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery, featuring a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty and neatly tucked under the front seats, showcased Toyota's functional design.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Telluride maintained its mechanical core with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with AWD models featuring a low-speed Lock setting for balanced power distribution. Our driving tests with the Telluride X-Line yielded an average of 24.1 mpg during mixed conditions, while the X-Pro, influenced by off-roading, averaged 20.4 mpg.

Kia’s efforts to enhance the Telluride’s off-road prowess included raising the suspension by 10mm, improving ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and tweaking the traction control system. Notable features such as the Downhill Brake Control system and an improved cooling system raised the towing capacity from the usual 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds in the X-Pro model. Off-road performance showcased the Telluride's capability, proving it could address moderate backcountry challenges, setting it apart from many in its segment without directly competing with vehicles like Jeep or Land Rover.

In terms of cargo, the 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled with its ability to accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats provided versatility for loading from either the rear or side doors. Cargo measurements were impressive at 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet with the second row folded, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Additionally, the Sienna could tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a capable family hauler.

The standard 60/40-split third-row bench fold-flat design ensured ease of use, with storage cubbies and cupholders accessible in each row. Convenience was furthered by power-operated side sliding doors and a foot-motion-activated rear tailgate, ideal for hands-free access when encumbered by groceries or children.

Conversely, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered a spacious and luxurious cabin with options for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Premium features in the test models included Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, notably ventilated in the SX Prestige trim. A heated steering wheel added to the comfort levels in higher trims.

The Telluride provided ample interior room and convenience features, such as manual side-window sunshades, USB ports in all rows, and a power lumbar stabilization system aimed at keeping drivers refreshed. Rear-seat riders enjoyed the triple-zone climate system's control and plenty of comfort including easy access to the third row via a simple button press on the second-row seats.

Cargo space in the Telluride, although smaller than the Sienna’s, was generous for a three-row midsize SUV: 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Kia’s smart power tailgate with proximity sensing and new automatic closing function added to the SUV’s convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of standard and optional tech features. The 9-inch touchscreen across all models supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, with six USB charging ports distributed throughout the cabin. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an 11.6-inch ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen. Notably absent was wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, limiting some convenience.

Toyota’s telematics 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. Upmarket models added a Qi wireless phone charger, optional 1500-watt inverter, and a digital rearview mirror for a clear view despite passenger obstructions. Most impressive was the 10-inch color head-up display in Platinum trims, ensuring key information remained in the driver’s line of sight.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, featured a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition worked seamlessly for standard commands, though climate controls required manual adjustments.

Kia expanded its offerings with digital-key technology, allowing smartphones or smartwatches to act as vehicle keys, and a larger available head-up display showing extensive driving and navigation information. The Telluride also featured systems like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode for enhanced passenger communication and comfort. Additionally, advanced audio options included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna held top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, encompassing adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Star Safety System and 10 airbags (plus ample LATCH locations) further ensured occupant safety.

The 2023 Kia Telluride also offered an extensive suite of safety features, expanding on previous offerings. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The Telluride further incorporated blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and safe exit assist.

Key advancements for 2023 encompassed Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0, with lane change assist, and a comprehensive set of collision avoidance features in higher trims. Ultrasonic sensors in its Rear Occupant Alert system and leading vehicle departure alerts contributed to the Telluride’s heightened safety levels. Although crash-test ratings were yet unavailable, the extensive ADAS provided strong reassurance.