2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with a well-designed centre console that provided ample storage and convenience features, including a smart tray for handbags. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering flexible configurations for maximum utility.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making the transition to electric power seamless for consumers. Externally, it resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid grille panel and trim-specific alloy wheels. The XC40's design included signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, with impeccable assembly and finish. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, creating an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The dashboard featured harmonious elements, and Volvo's steady progression into the premium automotive category was evident. The XC40 Recharge was a genuine luxury SUV, offering a blend of style and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling improved significantly with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel efficiency ratings, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge delivered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, generating 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge featured regenerative braking and one-pedal driving, enhancing energy efficiency and driving enjoyment. Its low centre of gravity improved handling, and it offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities. The gasoline XC40 models, in comparison, had slower acceleration and higher fuel consumption.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row bench that folded into the floor and a second row that slid up to 63.5 centimetres for flexible legroom. The cabin featured ample storage, including 16 cupholders, and could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge offered clever storage solutions, including a front trunk for additional space. Inside, it featured ample cubbies and nooks, with comfortable front seats and slightly tighter rear seating. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. Its compact SUV design balanced form and function effectively.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of audio options, from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package. It offered a rear-seat entertainment system and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, with Bluetooth and Qi-compatible charging available.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. It included Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle software. The XC40 Recharge's range reporting system, however, relied on a percentage of charge rather than distance, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating and featured an extensive list of safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. It introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles.