2021 Volvo XC40 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 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel also showed its age, resembling something from Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and advanced safety tech.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It fit well within the Volvo lineup, featuring "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, had subtle differences like a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and offered AWD on all trims except the base L. The FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a three-tiered powertrain lineup. The base FWD T4 had a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The AWD T5 offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The electric Recharge model had 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. It also featured one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

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 like the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, including the Recharge, had less legroom and headroom compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited due to powertrain hardware. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, and a single USB-C port was standard, though second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

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 also had Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It also supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The standard setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. It also lacked a start button, requiring only the key fob to shift out of park.

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 in NHTSA crash tests and top ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge had a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. The Recharge also had a scalable sensor suite for future driver aids.