2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year, with a refresh in 2018 that included updated infotainment technology and styling tweaks. Despite these updates, the 2020 Sienna still felt somewhat dated, with a hollow "thud" from the front doors hinting at its age. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple yet user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added conveniences like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats, while the SE trim featured a power liftgate and leather upholstery. The XLE Limited, which we drove, boasted premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and additional luxury touches. For those prioritizing style, the Nightshade Edition offered dark accents and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional styling while adding character. The XC90's design featured a boxy profile, a blunt front end, and a rectangular grille, with softer lines and more chrome. The LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. Our Inscription test car, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest of the XC90 trims. The R-Design trim offered a sportier look, while the base Momentum trim was more understated. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, contributing to its car-based crossover nature. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism, with thoughtfully arranged materials and a natural matte-finish wood trim. The interior offered unique options like wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained design.

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. The Sienna's Sport mode enhanced throttle and shift response, while the manual mode, rarely used, supported its 1,587-kilogram towing capacity. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, offering a unique selling point in 2020. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna's low centre of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine, both turbo- and supercharged, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. In Canada, AWD was standard on all models. While the XC90's 400 hp was impressive, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered varying efficiency and power, with Pure mode limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. Its towing capacity was 2,250 kilograms, suitable for moderate loads.

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 Sienna's third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but accessing the backseat could be challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, including a built-in rotating lift seat, making it an affordable option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in the second and third rows lacked support. An optional power sunroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription test car featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, though a power-adjustable steering wheel was absent. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Standard features included Bluetooth, USB ports, and an optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. A wireless charging pad was added for 2021, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

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. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on SE models and above. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.