2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. While many manufacturers had abandoned the minivan segment, Toyota remained committed, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity. Its design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical interior, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a versatile third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid embraced a bold and distinctive design, sharing its platform with the larger Kia Sorento. The new model was longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom. The Sportage Hybrid featured a striking front end with angular LED headlights and unique “boomerang” LED daytime running lights. Inside, the Sportage Hybrid boasted a clean and minimalist design, centered around a large optional infotainment display. While the base models had cloth seats, higher trims offered SynTex artificial leather, which some found less luxurious. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with clever storage solutions and a focus on user-friendly technology.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter featuring an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), providing smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. It achieved impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor, delivering a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered FWD as standard on the base LX trim, with AWD available on higher trims. The Sportage Hybrid's powertrain provided smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The six-speed automatic transmission contributed to a comfortable and quiet ride. While not designed for sporty driving, the Sportage Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, offering versatile cargo space and seating configurations. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo. With the second row in its default position, the Sienna provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It featured a dual-level cargo floor for added flexibility, providing 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Sportage Hybrid's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a rotary shift knob and clever storage solutions. It offered ample front-seat headroom and best-in-class rear-seat legroom, making it a practical choice for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The Sienna also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a head-up display on Platinum models, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The SX-Prestige trim featured a panoramic display combining the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster. The Sportage Hybrid's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch controls and analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. It also offered wireless phone charging and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring safety for families.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's safety ratings were not available at the time of testing. However, it offered a range of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor on the base LX trim. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system, providing comprehensive safety features.