2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it seamlessly integrated with the grille. The lower front bumper had an aggressive approach angle, hinting at off-road capabilities, even though it wasn't designed for such adventures. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The intuitive layout included a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a touchscreen atop the dash, enhancing its utilitarian yet sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with its SUV-like styling. The wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, ensuring a high-quality appearance. Inside, the emphasis on width continued with horizontal lines, providing a comfortable seating position. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently clustered below the infotainment screen. The centre console featured a bridge design, offering ample storage space, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury. The second and third-row seats were designed for adult comfort, with flexible configurations to maximize utility.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While adequate for city driving, this engine struggled at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim, however, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and spirited acceleration. The Seltos also featured a Drive Mode dial with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, enhancing throttle response and steering feel. Despite its subcompact size, the Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled CVT prioritized fuel efficiency, though it lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension and steering systems, providing a comfortable and stable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The Kia Seltos impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including large cubbies and bottle holders for front passengers, as well as a spacious centre console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, a rarity in subcompact SUVs.

The Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and versatility, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row could slide up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements included 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base LX and EX trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX Premium and SX Turbo included a 10.25-inch display. The larger screen allowed for simultaneous display of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and additional data. The SX Turbo also boasted a Bose premium sound system. However, the infotainment system had some quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and only one data-capable USB port.

The Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen as standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims included a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, and a Smart Key System on higher trims. Connectivity options included multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and available Qi-compatible charging.

The Kia Seltos came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered advanced driver-assistance features such as collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, blind spot monitoring, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.