2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past to a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The XC90 showcased a sophisticated exterior with its blacked-out honeycomb grille, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and sleek lines that emphasized its width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a blend of beige leather and aluminum, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats. The seats were designed for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail was evident in the craftsmanship, from the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat to the twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added a touch of assertiveness. The interior focused on practicality and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was designed for convenience, featuring a bridge-like structure that provided additional storage space. The second and third rows offered ample comfort for adults, with the second row sliding to maximize space and utility. The Sienna's interior was designed to cater to the needs of families, with numerous storage cubbies and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with its supercharged and turbocharged engine, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing a more suitable performance for the XC90. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, though it still lacked the linear acceleration expected from a luxury SUV. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight of the hybrid system negated the performance benefits. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the T8 hybrid achieved 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling was improved with a new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable and stable ride. The Sienna Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 highway, and 36 combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with a focus on simplicity and quality. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive, though it required some familiarity to navigate effectively. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The third row was best suited for small children, and cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna prioritized convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away into the floor. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, providing flexibility for accessing the third row and optimizing cargo space. The Sienna could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly integrated under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated navigation, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Standard connectivity included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect trials, along with AT&T WiFi Connect. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display on Platinum models.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings 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, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection. The Star Safety System and 10 airbags were standard, along with a rear-seat reminder system. The Sienna's crash-test ratings were not yet available, but the 2020 model received favorable ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.