2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic. For a long time, minivans suffered from an image crisis; their sliding doors and boxy designs conjured images of family trips with Cheerios strewn across the backseat. The Sienna, however, presented a distinctly modern and creative appeal. Toyota worked diligently to shed the traditional minivan look. The front-end design was reminiscent of a high-speed Japanese bullet train, and trim levels like the XSE and Platinum even featured 20-inch wheels in their FWD versions, giving them a sportier stance.

The Sienna offered various trim levels catering to different tastes and budgets, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a celebratory touch. The XLE trim emerged as the sweet spot for many, with standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate, all of which added significant convenience for families.

Inside, the Sienna was a pleasure to experience. It dazzled with a Platinum trim model that boasted high-quality brown leather upholstery and beautiful wood-grain accents on the center console, adding a touch of luxury. With seating configurations for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna accommodated various family sizes. The eight-seater models, specifically the LE or XLE trims, could fit three car seats across the middle row—a tremendous advantage for larger families.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 exuded a sophisticated yet not ostentatious elegance. Once known for utilitarian designs, Volvo had completely reimagined its approach, presenting a more refined, purposeful-looking vehicle. The XC90's front end was solid and assertive without being overbearing, and the "Thor's Hammer" headlight design added modern flair that stood out.

The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, was equipped with 21-inch wheels that added some drama to its otherwise calm demeanor. Volvo's color palette might not have been exciting with its shades of gray and smoky blue, but our test car's Platinum Gray with brown undertones looked rich and sophisticated in sunlight.

Inside, the XC90's interior was a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism. The elegant two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Nappa leather seats oozed luxury. The wood deco inlays across the dashboard and around the center console's hidden cupholders added a touch of nature and warmth to the clean and minimalist design.

In 2020, Toyota decided to revolutionize the Sienna's performance by offering it exclusively as a hybrid. The fourth-generation Sienna featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two front-mounted electric motors, and a third rear-mounted motor for AWD models. Collectively, these generated 245 horsepower. The power, though sufficient, left the Sienna feeling somewhat underwhelmed, particularly when compared with more powerful competitors like the Honda Odyssey. The CVT transmission’s tendency to rev up added to this perception.

However, the Sienna excelled in handling. Its nimbleness and stable chassis made it a delight to drive around town and on the highway. The light steering was perfect for city driving, and different drive modes like EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport offered some customization. EV mode was largely ineffective in sustaining an all-electric drive, and Sport mode failed to mask the fact that it was still a minivan.

Volvo’s XC90, on the other hand, introduced the B5 and B6 engines for 2023, featuring mild-hybrid technology. These new powertrains offered better efficiency and smoother operation. The B5 engine, with its turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, generated 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain in our test vehicle featured a turbo and supercharger combination, churning out 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

While mild hybrids like the XC90 do not offer the same fuel economy benefits as full hybrids, they improve the driving experience with an almost imperceptible auto stop-start technology. Driving the XC90 was an enjoyable experience; its big wheels and thin tires provided stability through corners. The eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth, almost unnoticeable, and acceleration was quick. The XC90's brakes were solid and confident, adding to the overall driving pleasure.

Minivans are renowned for their storage solutions, and the 2023 Toyota Sienna was no exception. Its interior was laden with cubbies, nooks, shelves, and bins. The center console featured an open cubby that could easily fit a large bag, and a long shelf stretched across the dashboard. The Sienna had plenty of cupholders, ensuring everyone could have at least two drinks each.

With its 200-inch-plus length and 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna maximized interior space. The cargo area behind the third row offered 33.5 cubic feet, extending to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 101 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Despite this ample cargo room, the inability to remove the middle row seats, as seen in some competitors, limited the total cargo space.

The Sienna’s captain’s chairs in the second row were versatile and comfortable, equipped with extending ottomans and long slide tracks, providing genuine legroom for third-row passengers—something rare in three-row crossovers.

The Volvo XC90 was elegant but had some storage frustrations due to its minimalist design. It lacked a dedicated space for cell phones, and the center console’s USB port was awkwardly placed. However, the second row was comfortable and spacious, although adjusting these seats was somewhat challenging. The seven-passenger configuration could be altered to six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs for $500, but this required upgrading to the B6 engine.

Cargo space in the XC90 was competitive but not class-leading: 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. While good for its class, the XC90’s cargo capacity fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX.

Toyota had impressive new tech in other models, but the 2023 Sienna featured older Toyota infotainment tech. Core functionalities were present—SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and seven USB ports. The system also had physical buttons, which many drivers appreciated for ease of use. However, the interface felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. Navigating to Android Auto involved cumbersome steps, detracting from user experience.

Conversely, the 2023 Volvo XC90 shone with its technological prowess. The 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen ran on Google OS, making Volvo the first to standardize this feature. Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant were integrated, enhancing the user experience with excellent natural language recognition. The XC90 could also be controlled via Google Home devices.

However, the sleek, minimalistic design meant that many functions were embedded in the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Essential controls for features like the heated steering wheel required interaction with the screen, which might be inconvenient for some drivers initially.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety. Its comprehensive suite of ADAS included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features were vital for a family vehicle, and the Sienna’s safety credentials were robust, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for the 2022 model.

Volvo had a storied reputation for safety, dating back to their invention of the three-point seat belt. The 2023 XC90 continued this legacy, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for 2022. The XC90’s safety features were impressive, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology—all standard equipment.