2024 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with the XLE trim being a popular choice for its value-added features like LED fog lights and power-sliding doors. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento received a significant visual update, aligning it more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. The Sorento's new design featured a bold front end with vertically-stacked LED headlights and a more upscale cockpit. The trims remained consistent, but the introduction of the rugged X-Line and X-Pro packages added a more aggressive look. Inside, the Sorento boasted a redesigned dashboard with a single-pane, twin-screen setup, offering a modern and clean aesthetic. The cabin materials were upgraded, providing a more luxurious feel, and the optional green and brown interior colors added character to the vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 245 horsepower. While this setup was efficient, it lacked the power needed for the Sienna's size, resulting in lackluster acceleration. The CVT transmission was not the most pleasant to listen to, but the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The Sienna featured multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with better acceleration and passing power. The Sorento's AWD option, available on higher trims, included the X-Line setup, which improved ground clearance and off-road capability. The Sorento handled well, with confident cornering and responsive steering, making it a versatile choice for both city and off-road driving. The X-Pro trim further enhanced off-road performance with all-terrain tires and improved towing capacity.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, offering numerous cubbies and bins for convenience. Its large size provided ample cargo space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the middle row seats were not removable, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and adjustable tracks for added comfort and flexibility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with generous legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tighter, but still offered more space than some competitors. The Sorento's new dashboard design was ergonomic, with easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 72.1 cubic feet of space. The optional captain's chairs in the second row allowed for easy access to the third row and enhanced passenger comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but required a wired connection. The interface was functional but felt outdated, with some quirks in accessing features. The 9-inch touchscreen was adequate, and the optional JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2024 Kia Sorento introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on all trims. The system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit," prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite offered an extensive array of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sorento's systems were enhanced with additional sensors and machine-learning capabilities. While the 2024 model had not been fully evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, previous models received favorable ratings.