Toyota Sienna vs Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three models: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. Each brought a different engine option to the table. The XC90 B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance, and the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering the maximum performance and efficiency, including an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All three models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Volvo presented the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, not including the $1,195 destination charge. The Ultimate trim had seven-passenger seating, and could be outfitted with luxurious features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch for its 5,000-pound towing capacity. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for this fully loaded XC90 was $89,145, including the destination charge. Aesthetically, the XC90 was a masterclass in subdued elegance. Its exterior paint palette featured earthy, sophisticated colors, and you could opt for various stylish wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The XC90 leaned away from the blacked-out trend with its Bright theme, which included chrome and polished metal accents. The interior, though slightly dated, was rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim which featured a touch of luxury with a crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. Volvo allowed for a remarkable level of customization, letting buyers mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery. In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna presented a distinctive, family-friendly look available in LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims. The Sienna might have shed its "swagger wagon" moniker, but it maintained a stylish vibe with sleek front and rear fascias and eye-catching colors like deep blue, red, or green. LED lighting was standard across all trims, and the upper trims got Bi-LED projector headlamps for added illumination. The XSE trim, which was considered sporty, featured a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition added a bit more off-road capability with roof rails, a tow hitch, and an additional half-inch of ground clearance. Standard features in the Sienna included cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight. The XSE trim with the optional Premium package offered two captain’s chairs instead of a second-row bench seat and provided leather-trimmed, heated, and cooled front seats. The interior featured horizontal design lines that enhanced the feeling of spaciousness, complete with a fixed center console with satin accents and conveniently placed cup holders and shifter. While the cabin was more practical than luxurious, it did offer some high-end touches like available built-in vacuum cleaners in upper trims.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerful combination produced 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's battery allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving before the gasoline engine would kick in, and in hybrid mode, it was expected to average 27 mpg in combined driving. In Power mode, Volvo estimated a five-second sprint from zero to 60 mph. Recharging the XC90 could be managed with a standard household outlet, taking about 12 hours, or more rapidly with a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. The vehicle’s different driving modes, including Pure for electric-only driving and Power for performance, allowed for a versatile driving experience. Off-road functionality was boosted by the optional air suspension, offering up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, in real-world conditions with high temperatures, the XC90's electric range and fuel efficiency fell short of EPA predictions. The SUV managed just 28 miles on electric-only range and 24.5 mpg in hybrid mode during testing. Everyday use primarily on electric power showed minimal fuel range movement, though performance declined as the battery neared depletion. Performance-wise, while the XC90 Recharge T8 had abundant power and could launch with authority, it wasn't a sports SUV. On rougher roads, the ride felt overly firm, and despite the adaptive air suspension, the older vehicle architecture allowed more cabin shakes than expected. It also lacked sharp handling characteristics, though the grip from its tires was commendable. On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota Sienna's performance mainly revolved around a hybrid setup, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for the front wheels and a small battery pack. AWD models added an extra electric motor dedicated to the rear wheels, producing a total of 245 horsepower. The Sienna was not about thrilling performance. Even with sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode for better acceleration, the ride remained relatively sluggish, especially when merging onto highways or climbing steep inclines. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was smooth but slow and tended to get noisy. For everyday city driving, the Sienna proved adequate, if forgettable. Eco and Normal modes were best suited for typical driving conditions, with an additional EV mode for slow-speed scenarios like parking and school pick-up lines. The brakes were a bit too aggressive, and the steering was light and accurate. Visibility throughout the minivan was excellent. However, families seeking more dynamic driving would find rival minivans with stronger V6 engines preferable.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in its base Core trim, offering power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, operated by a one-touch swipe control. Moving up to Plus and Ultimate trims brought additional comfort features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades. The front seats in the XC90 had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, which could snag on clothing while entering the vehicle. Once inside, the seats offered a high degree of comfort and excellent driving positions. Despite some operational challenges with the seats and climate control struggles in high temperatures, the XC90’s cabin offered a commanding view of the road. With three rows of seating, the XC90 could accommodate seven or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The rear seats provided more space than expected, but access to the third row remained tight for adults. Cargo capacity maxed out at 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down, 65.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats down, and limited space with all seats in use. The 2024 Toyota Sienna offered several practical features for family use. The lower storage pass-through upfront was larger enough for bulky items, while multiple cupholders and a shelf above the glovebox provided additional storage options. Both second-row side doors were powered, and second-row captain’s chairs with up to 40 inches of legroom were available, though the slide function could be tricky, and the seats couldn’t be removed. Access to the third row was relatively easy, with ample legroom when the second-row seats were pushed forward, and the seats tilted for comfort. Standard tri-zone climate control was extended to include a fourth zone in our XSE tester, eliminating arguments over cabin temperatures. The rear liftgate could be opened with a kick motion, revealing 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 75 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and up to 101 cubic feet with the second row pushed forward.

For the 2024 Volvo XC90, the centerpiece of its technology suite was the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in technology. This system included Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, with subscription-free functionality for the first four years. Apple CarPlay was also standard, as was SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial. The audio options ranged from a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system to a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high-end system with multiple sound modes. Introduced in 2023, Google Built-in improved the XC90’s infotainment experience considerably. Though the screen was smaller compared to modern standards, it was easily accessible and intuitive to use. The SUV also featured a head-up display and a surround-view camera, along with a somewhat confusing 12-inch digital instrumentation panel. In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna continued to use Toyota’s older infotainment technology, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not as modern, it included useful physical buttons for common menus. Unfortunately, the backup camera’s grainy display felt outdated for a 2024 model. The analog gauges, complemented by a 7-inch digital display, provided crucial driving information but might not appeal to tech enthusiasts. The Sienna’s standard tech package included a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. Innovative options like a rear-camera mirror and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system added value, though our tester lacked these features. Several USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter with 120-volt outlets were practical touches for family trips.

Volvo’s reputation for safety extended to the 2024 XC90. It earned high marks from both the NHTSA, with five-star ratings in most categories except for a four-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS, which awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. Despite not being the most advanced, its ADAS featured essentials like adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist (Pilot Assist), large-animal detection, and a notification system for traffic movement. However, an unsettling incident during testing, where Pilot Assist improperly attempted to steer back onto a highway, raised concerns about the system’s reliability. Toyota’s 2024 Sienna came standard with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. Safety was further bolstered by numerous airbags, including for all three rows, and a reminder to check the rear for passengers or belongings upon exiting. The Sienna earned mixed safety ratings, with the NHTSA granting it four stars for frontal crash and rollover protection but five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories but found its front crash prevention to be "Average."