2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Volvo XC90

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 from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a DVD entertainment system. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured a power rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and sport instrumentation.

In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased modern Volvo design at its peak. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatment, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, emphasizing the vehicle's width and stability. The interior boasted a beige-leather and aluminum finish, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats. The seats were power-adjustable with optional massage, and the cabin was filled with padded materials for quality and safety. The XC90's design and craftsmanship were evident in details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob.

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 Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and offered AWD on all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6, with an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T6 Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. The T6 AWD was rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the T5 AWD achieved 20/27/23. The XC90's steering was lifeless, and the vehicle lacked sporty dynamics, but it excelled in comfort and quietness.

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 a bench. 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 practical choice for families needing these capabilities.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than earlier models. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The XC90 offered generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech 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 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could show the map between the analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the TPMS sensors to show individual tire pressures.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), 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 from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of boron steel roofs and curtain airbags that stayed inflated during rollovers.