2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. Introduced in 2011, the Sienna had received newer infotainment tech and styling updates, but certain elements, like the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel, seemed to hark back to Toyota's 2010 parts bin. However, this simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats, while the SE trim boasted a power liftgate and leather upholstery. The XLE Limited, which we drove, included premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and HID headlights. For those prioritizing style, the Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on Volvo's SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design was elegant, with a tailored two-box form, short overhangs, and crisp body details. The upright grille featured Volvo's iron mark logo, and the headlights had a distinctive Thor's hammer LED design. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its appeal. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, and the HVAC vents were both elegant and functional. The interior's textures and colours were harmonious, making it a pleasant space to spend time.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 1,587 kilograms. The Sienna's powertrain was front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, offering a unique selling point in its class. The FWD Sienna achieved fuel efficiency of 12.6 L/100 km city, 9.1 hwy, and 11.0 combined, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city, 9.6 hwy, and 11.7 combined. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base, but its steering was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard in Canada. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, were plug-in hybrids, with the T8 producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the Polestar Engineered version reaching 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC60 T8 could drive up to 31 kilometres on electric power alone. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling, and the cabin was quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city, 8.3 hwy, 9.9 combined for the T5, to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, and 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the centre console, dashboard, and door panels. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres behind the first row. It was rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL 10-speaker audio system. The XLE Limited featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style touchpad interface. It offered smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in the test model was exceptional. The Sensus system required a learning curve but was intuitive once mastered.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-autonomous system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.