2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its assertive stance. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring a gear selector lever, multiple cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows provided ample space for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek, athletic profile with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its superior fit and finish, along with the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, highlighted its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim. The interior featured exquisite details like a sliding wood tambor cover and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available. The XC90's interior was both luxurious and practical, with comfortable seating and a spacious cabin.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over previous models, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 was available in FWD and AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 had an EV range of up to 36 miles and a combined rating of 66 MPGe. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and cargo handling. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin offered 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and offered flexible cargo space with 33.5 cubic feet 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 tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice year-round.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was packed with technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, the system could be glitchy and slow. Apple CarPlay worked well, but Android Auto was untested. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization, and the Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with a Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available. USB-A and USB-C ports were provided for convenience, along with a WiFi hotspot and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System added enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, along with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.