2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform since 2018. This platform was shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored crossover design with short front and rear overhangs, and a body that emphasized agility. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the headlights featured a distinctive LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its fashionable appearance. Inside, the XC60’s cabin was defined by clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen. The HVAC vents were particularly elegant, and the textures and colors throughout the cabin were harmonious and rewarding.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to change the perception of minivans with a more SUV-like appearance. It featured a wide grille, LED headlamp arrays, and an assertive stance. The sliding side doors were nicely sculpted, and the alloy wheels ranged from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim level. The rear of the Sienna had a big window but still managed to look wide and low. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines and a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console housed the gear selector lever, cup holders, and a big storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD only, produced 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, also AWD, added an 87-hp electric motor, bringing the total to 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased the output to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models were plug-in hybrids, capable of driving up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The XC60 offered a smooth and secure driving experience, with EPA fuel economy figures ranging from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV and 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, eliminating mechanical complications. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, which delivered power smoothly but tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna Hybrid offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy numbers: 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling sub-freezing temperatures. The heated driver and front-passenger seats warmed quickly, and the rear glass heater and windshield defroster effectively managed ice and snow buildup. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet behind the first row. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience functions, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, making it easy to access the third row. The cabin had 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo space measured 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 Sienna could tow up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system was intuitive for frequent iPad users, with swipe, pinch, and pull gestures. The screen was segmented into function quadrants, making it easy to navigate. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a three-month trial. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was exceptional.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with a nine-inch touchscreen standard on all grades, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. The digital rearview mirror was available on Limited and Platinum models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.