2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the subsequent generations of the Sienna. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, with features like sliding side doors and a macho front end. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin, ample storage, and comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover SUV, was known for its stylish design and Scandinavian minimalism. The exterior featured appealing paint colors and blacked-out trim, while the interior boasted classic Scandinavian design elements, including Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, and metal accents. The XC60's cabin was opulent, with features like a panoramic sunroof and an Orrefors crystal gear selector knob. Despite its compact size, the XC60 provided a comfortable and luxurious experience for both front and rear passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from the previous year, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD models.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, combined with an electric motor powering the rear wheels. This setup produced a total of 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The XC60 Recharge offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, as well as battery usage modes like Auto, Hold, and Charge. The XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. It also provided a smooth and compliant ride in Pure and Hybrid modes, with an average fuel economy of 54.6 mpg over a 65-mile evaluation route.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and all rows had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for carrying four people comfortably, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats provided outstanding comfort, with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable but had limited legroom for taller passengers. Storage space was decent, with practical spots for smaller items in the center console and larger items in the door bins and glovebox. The XC60 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. A power liftgate and a ski pass-through panel added to its practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard on all grades, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth, Qi wireless phone charging, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the base model to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on XLE and above trims. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display and an optional 10-inch head-up display on Platinum models.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. The system supported both Android and Apple CarPlay, with additional features like SiriusXM and Wi-Fi access. The touchscreen's portrait orientation and intuitive interface made it easy to use, and the voice-recognition system was impressive. The XC60 also offered a high-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system, though it was an expensive option. The Ultimate package included a Harman Kardon sound system, which provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, featuring Pilot Assist, Volvo's advanced driver-assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. The XC60 also had Oncoming Lane Mitigation to help avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the NHTSA had not assessed the XC60 Recharge for safety, the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 B5 and B6 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year, with the possibility of carrying that rating forward for 2023.