2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining recognizable Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a rectangular grille, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options like wool and Nappa leather, complemented by high-end touches such as an Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays emphasized its width, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its assertive stance. The Sienna's interior focused on width and functionality, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space, and the second and third rows offered comfortable seating for adults. The Sienna's interior materials and surfaces were of high quality, ensuring a pleasant ride for all passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8 models. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, often requiring the gasoline engine's assistance. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and quietness, thanks to its optional air-suspension system, but its towing capacity was limited to 5,000 pounds for most models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing a total of 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 prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling was significantly improved over its predecessor, thanks to new front suspension and steering, as well as an independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid's EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The XC90's interior featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and optional filtration for fine particulate matter. The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also offered a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, making access to the third row easy. The cabin featured 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, 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 Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated and responded to kick motions for easy access.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD). The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports, limiting charging options for newer phones.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid packed a wealth of standard and available technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. The Sienna also 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 with a 120-volt AC outlet, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on higher trims. The driver benefited from a multi-information display, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) on Platinum models, and a digital rearview mirror on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received “Good” ratings from IIHS in most categories and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.