2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the simplistic instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels, appealing to those who wanted a minivan with a bit of flair.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling elements while adding character. The XC90's boxy profile and rectangular grille were complemented by softer lines, chrome accents, and distinctive LED headlights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end feel, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration provided the best fuel economy, achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, available on all trims except the base L, offered better traction in inclement conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base contributing to its stability. However, its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds, which could be concerning for busy parents.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 produced 250 horsepower, while the T6, with both turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist for a total output of 400 horsepower. The XC90's AWD system was standard on the T6 and T8, providing better traction. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, often requiring the gasoline engine's assistance. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin, although its handling wasn't particularly sporty.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench seat option. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seats. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, available in six- or seven-seat configurations, provided average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel, while the standard four-zone climate control and optional air filtration system enhanced comfort. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo space was also on the lower end, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice, a handy feature for families.

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. The system included Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and USB ports, with a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, 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 warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated as Superior.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo's Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.