2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

Volvo made some subtle styling changes for the 2022 XC60. A new front fascia incorporated sleek “air blades”—vertical elements on either side of the grille that lent the XC60 a slightly sportier appearance. Additionally, a reworked front grille with relocated sensors for the driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which was also heated to remain functional in cold weather, was introduced. The rear bumper design hid the tailpipes, and all models received new wheel designs, further refining the exterior look.

The XC60 was built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared with the XC90, the S90 and S60 sedans, and the V90 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country wagons. This platform provided a consistent basis for the brand's mid-size offerings.

Inside, the changes were modest but impactful. A new digital instrument cluster brought modern technology to the forefront, while the interior retained its clean design, anchored by a portrait-oriented touchscreen with minimal excess clutter. The B6 R-Design test car featured elaborate aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, which added a bit of flair, though the interior seemed somewhat muted compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level added luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For many shoppers, the minivan aesthetic has been challenging to embrace, often recalling memories of family trips in vehicles that carried nostalgia but little appeal for stylish driving. However, Toyota invested clear effort to rid the Sienna of such stereotypes. The front-end styling resembled a Japanese bullet train, presenting a sleek, modern visage. While most trims featured 18-inch wheels, the higher XSE and Platinum trims included eye-catching 20-inch wheels.

Available in multiple trims—LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, and top-tier Platinum—the 2023 Sienna also introduced a 25th Anniversary Special Edition, which sat just below the Limited trim price-wise. The XLE trim proved to be a popular starting point for value-conscious shoppers, adding features such as LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate.

Inside, the Platinum trim of our test vehicle showcased lovely high-quality brown leather upholstery and beautiful wood-grain accents on the center console. The Sienna could accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. Those needing to fit three car seats across the middle row would prefer the eight-seater LE or XLE, thanks to a middle bench seat with LATCH anchors.

The 2022 XC60 featured new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower during short bursts. The B6 added an electric supercharger to the turbo configuration.

The B5 version produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 stepped up to 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 offered standard FWD with optional AWD, whereas the B6 was available solely with AWD. Performance-wise, the XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), while the XC60 B6 made the sprint in 5.9 seconds. Despite power reductions from older models, the XC60 B6 R-Design demonstrated smooth power delivery.

The XC60 prioritized calm and relaxed driving, showing off its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, especially with the optional air suspension. While some automakers mix sportiness into every vehicle—often compromising ride quality—Volvo emphasized true luxury. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid model added more electric prowess, offering 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, and achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered variant further upped the ante with 415 horsepower, 494 pound-feet of torque, and a swift 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, along with performance enhancements like Öhlins adjustable dampers, Akebono brakes, and a front strut bar.

In 2020, Toyota overhauled the fourth-generation Sienna and transitioned to a hybrid-only powertrain for all trims. This system comprised a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two front-mounted electric motors, and an additional motor for AWD models, combining for a total of 245 net horsepower. Though this output fell short compared to the competition, it emphasized efficiency.

Despite the Sienna's size, the powertrain resulted in underwhelming acceleration, amplified by the continuously variable transmission's (CVT) less-than-appealing sound at high revs. However, the Sienna provided a smooth ride, combined with nimble handling for city driving.

The Sienna featured different drive modes: EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. While EV mode technically allowed for electric-only driving, it was hard to activate consistently without the gas engine kicking in. Eco mode stretched the CVT's limits, reducing throttle responsiveness. Sport mode provided minimal excitement, merely confirming the Sienna's minivan identity.

The 2022 XC60 maintained competitive passenger space for its segment. The front-seat headroom was above average, though rear-seat headroom fell short, tying the Audi Q5 for the lowest in this category. Legroom remained average in both rows.

Cargo capacity was another area of scrutiny. The mild-hybrid XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. The plug-in hybrid models were slightly reduced to 21.1 cubic feet with seats up and 49.3 with seats down. These measurements placed the XC60 below most rivals in terms of cargo space.

Nonetheless, the XC60 boasted good forward visibility, with large exterior mirrors enhancing ease of driving without heavy reliance on driver aids.

The Sienna excelled with practical interior storage solutions, featuring numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. An open cubby beneath the center console and a long shelf across the dash provided ample space for personal items. The higher trims included a wireless charging pad within this shelf. Additionally, there were abundant cup holders, ensuring everyone on board had convenience at hand.

Measuring over 200 inches in length and with a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna impressively utilized its minivan platform for optimal space use. The minivan offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet with all seats down. Though impressive, these figures fell slightly short compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, which featured more versatile configurations like removable and stowable second rows. However, the Sienna's middle-row captain’s chairs provided exceptional comfort and adjustability, adding to its practicality for regular use.

The 2022 XC60 received a notable tech overhaul, including a 9-inch touchscreen running on the Android Automotive operating system, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Options included a head-up display and premium audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

Android integration brought features like Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and third-party app access through the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates further enhanced the system’s convenience. Apple users were promised full compatibility, though Android users benefitted more from Google profile synchronization with the car. The new layout featured sideways swiping for menu navigation, which optimized screen real estate.

While Toyota flaunted cutting-edge tech in some models, the 2023 Sienna continued with the older infotainment interface. This system included SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional navigation system. The seven USB ports were a practical touch.

Despite some functional physical buttons, the outdated interface felt clunky. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required wired connections, and accessing Android Auto from the menu each time lacked convenience. While the 9-inch touchscreen didn’t impress on paper, it proved adequate in person, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided pleasing sound quality.

The 2022 XC60 had yet to receive official crash-test ratings for 2022, but its similar 2021 model earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with distinctions in frontal and side crash tests.

Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The new Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist further enhanced safety. Optional Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for convenient highway driving.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna boasted an impressive suite of standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

These features contributed to the Sienna’s safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars in crash tests and the IIHS giving the mechanically identical 2022 model a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Competing vehicles also presented high safety standards, but Toyota's careful selection of essential rather than gimmicky features kept the Sienna focused on safety and functionality.