Toyota Sienna vs Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a sophisticated and stylish appearance, with five core trim levels ranging from the LX to the SX Prestige. Prices started at $36,390 and went up to $51,390, excluding a $1,415 destination charge. The X-Line package, available on all but the LX and S trims, added features like all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and a blacked-out look, with prices from $46,485 to $52,785. The X-Pro trim further enhanced the EX X-Line and SX Prestige X-Line with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity, priced at $47,385 and $53,685, respectively. The SX Prestige X-Pro model, with its luxurious Terracotta Nappa leather and Midnight Lake Blue paint, reached an MSRP of $56,240. The Telluride's design stood out in a crowded SUV market, though the blacked-out treatments somewhat muted its personality.

Inside, the Telluride's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality. The black-over-Terracotta color scheme contrasted sharply with the exterior, and upscale materials like simulated wood and metallic accents added to its appeal. However, the lower cabin areas revealed cost-cutting measures with less impressive plastics. The dual-screen display on the dashboard provided a modern touch, though some controls were difficult to read in bright light. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Telluride's interior offered a comfortable and visually appealing environment.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while maintaining the traditional minivan silhouette, attempted to inject some style with its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, but the Sienna still resembled a minivan. Prices ranged from $40,980 to $57,940, including a $1,495 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the Platinum model in Magnetic Gray, featured additional accessories that brought the MSRP to $58,634. The Sienna's interior received updates for 2025, with a new woodgrain finish that didn't impress all passengers. However, the overall interior design was considered an improvement over previous models.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, while all-wheel drive was available or standard on others. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adapting to driver behavior. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and powerful, achieving 20.2 mpg over a 1,200-mile trip, matching its EPA rating. The X-Pro package's all-terrain tires provided excellent off-road capability but sacrificed some on-road grip. The Telluride's suspension handled rough roads well, though brake pedal behavior in traffic was occasionally problematic.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It delivered 245 horsepower, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid system provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish, though the CVT's noise was noticeable during hard acceleration. The Sienna's hybrid focus aimed to maximize fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, it averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was secure but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and quiet highway performance. The XSE trim offered a sportier look and suspension, but expectations for driving excitement should be tempered.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat featured a lumbar massage function, enhancing long-distance comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 21 cubic feet, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row down. While not class-leading, the Telluride offered sufficient space for most needs.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, the cushions felt hard after extended driving. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 101 cubic feet maximum. Unlike some rivals, the Sienna's second-row seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo capacity but simplifying seat adjustments.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display in the SX Prestige trim. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds. However, the infotainment system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was basic. Despite these limitations, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and SiriusXM satellite radio provided entertainment in areas with limited cell service.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum trim featured a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered various connected services, with a digital assistant responding to voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the JBL premium audio system provided sound quality, though excessive bass was noted. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera added convenience and functionality.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under the Drive Wise branding. Standard features included forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also offered blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, while higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and a surround-view camera. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While TSS 2.0 lacked some of the latest features found in TSS 3.0, it provided a more straightforward driving experience. The Sienna introduced a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received lower scores in frontal crash tests, and it did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.