2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that introduced newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 Sienna still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel seemed to come straight from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use.

The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium. The base L trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, five USB ports, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Higher trims added features like dual power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and sport instrumentation. The Limited trim added leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The Nightshade Edition aimed to add a touch of cool with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats.

The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, was available with EX and SX trims and included gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's styling, both inside and out, was widely praised. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The dash-mounted shifter had a Sport mode that enhanced throttle and shift response. In normal Drive mode, the Sienna provided strong acceleration, and Sport mode was useful for highway overtaking. The Sienna also had a manual mode, which was rarely used but could assist with its 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The Sienna's power was routed to the front wheels, with AWD available on all trims except the base L. AWD versions were limited to a 7-passenger configuration. The FWD Sienna offered the best fuel economy, returning 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. AWD versions returned 18/24/20. In a week of mixed driving, the observed fuel economy was 18.3 mpg. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to surprisingly decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with the SUV’s eight inches of ground clearance.

The Telluride's suspension tuning nearly eliminated the phenomenon known as "head-toss," providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The EX and SX trims included a self-leveling rear suspension to ensure proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels and tires provided commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology helped it handle twisty roads with ease. The AWD Telluride was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with an observed average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than with a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a good option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was stylish and comfortable, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat in the SX trim, including power lumbar adjustment and a thigh support extension. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, and the Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs also had heating and ventilation, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel.

The Telluride provided ample storage, with bins for smartphones, USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate automatically opened when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third row down increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum was 87 cubic feet. Buttons in the cargo area allowed for easy folding of the second-row seats.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. These plans included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The SX trim had a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and a head-up display with the Prestige package. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard with EX and SX trims, enhancing communication and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Drive Assist, standard on EX and SX trims, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.